Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Post Master General of the Federation/CEO, Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST), Tola Odeyemi, has stated that the Nigerian Postal sector has continued to play its vital role in the social and economic development of nations – from enabling commerce and connecting people to facilitating inclusive communication and supporting government services.
Odeyemi stated this in her speech on the occasion of the 2025 World Post Day celebration in Abuja on Thursday, 9th October, 2025.
Her words: “Today, Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) joins other 193 member countries of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), a specialize agency of United Nations (UN) to celebrate the 2025 World Post Day, an annual event that unites the global postal family in reflection, celebration, and recommitment to service.
“World Post Day, celebrated every 9th of October, marks the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874. It is a day to reflect on the vital role that the postal sector continues to play in the social and economic development of nations – from enabling commerce and connecting people to facilitating inclusive communication and supporting government services.
“It is also a day to appreciate the men and women behind the mail – the postal workers whose dedication ensures that no matter where you live in the heart of the city or in the most remote villages – you remain connected to the world.
“This year’s theme “Post for People: Local Service, Global Reach” resonates profoundly with our vision and mission at the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST). It reminds us that while our operations begin in our local communities, our impact and relevance span across borders, cultures, and generations. It underscores the central role of the post as a service for humanity – a system that begins with the needs of local communities yet extends its reach across the globe.
“For NIPOST, our mission is clear: we are here to connect people, businesses, and communities through a robust, integrated network of postal and logistics services. We are committed to driving socio-economic development by ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location, has access to reliable and affordable postal services and a channel to access governmental services.
“In celebrating, we are also proud to celebrate every significant groundbreaking reform and partnership that aligns directly with the Renewed Hope Agenda. These initiatives are reshaping the nation’s logistics, digital economy, and service delivery systems in ways that touch the lives of everyday Nigerians.
She also added, “Today, some of our postal facilities have been revitalized, with a focus on enhancing last-mile delivery, national infrastructure for identity management, security, and government services.
“The National Addressing System being developed in collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPoPc) and other technical partners is replacing the analogue numeric postcode with a digital postcode to facilitate efficient mail delivery, enhance government services accessibility and emergency services. The new digital postcode is Nigeria’s new alphanumeric code system identifying specific geographic entities that will enhance accuracy in geographical entity identification and is integrated into a digital map and GIS, acting as the backbone for urban planning and Nigeria’s digital economy.
“This digital postcode which will eventually be the technology on which the national addressing system will be built will capture every part of Nigeria using a systematic framework for alpha-numeric characters from state, LGA, postcode districts, postcode areas and postcode units.
“Aligned with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy’s vision for a digitally inclusive Nigeria, the initiative targets underserved populations particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities through expanded National Identification Number (NIN)
“Registration coverage, advancing digital inclusion in line with national policies and the presidential directive for universal NIN coverage by 2026. With this, NIPOST is bringing the federal government’s vision of a secure, inclusive digital identity system within reach for millions of Nigerians.
“It Is also important to state that, NIPOST is also championing the growth of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as the backbone of the economy, contributing over 48% of Nigeria’s GDP. To empower them, NIPOST introduced a 15% logistics discount for all MSMEs registered with SMEDAN. Through this partnership with SMEDAN, more than 20,000 MSMEs stand to benefit, lowering their operational costs and allowing them to expand their market reach.
“To further support entrepreneurs, NIPOST has launched its e-commerce platform (Digital Market Places) as part of its renewed commitment to supporting Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy. It enables sales both locally and internationally. Integrated with logistics and secure payments, the platform provides Nigerian SMEs with seamless online shipping, order management, and last-mile delivery solutions, enabling small businesses, digital merchants, and consumers across Nigeria to transact and fulfill e-commerce orders more efficiently.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, One of NIPOST’s boldest innovations has been the launch of the NIPOST Agro-Infrastructure and Logistics Initiative (NAILI). A flagship program designed to build an integrated logistics and storage backbone across Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, NAILI targets the reduction of post-harvest losses, which account for up to 40% of Nigeria’s agricultural output; improved traceability of produce, and expansion of structured market access for smallholder farmers and agro-MSMES.
“The program aligns directly with the Federal Government’s food security, trade facilitation, and digital infrastructure priorities. It leverages NIPOST’S existing infrastructure across all 774 LGAs to establish modular storage hubs, digital traceability tools, and corridor-based fleet operations. Beneficiaries include over 1 million smallholder farmers, 3,000 MSMEs, and public/private sector logistics operators.
“In a buildup to the year 2025 World Post Day celebration, the annual Universal Postal Union (UPU) Letter Writing Competition for young people was conducted, and over 1000 entries were received from secondary schools across Nigeria. The competition is designed to develop the skills of young people in letter writing and contribute to strengthening national and international friendships, which is one of the cardinal objectives of the Universal Postal Union.
“Today, we recognize and celebrate the brilliant young Nigerians who emerged winners in this year’s edition.
“Adeyemo Jedidiah and Adewunmi Princess Boluwatigba of Methodist Girls High School, SaboYaba, Lagos State, and Okuwoli Elizabeth of ST. Jude’s Private Secondary School, Festac Town, Lagos,ss emerged as the three overall national winners, winning the cash prizes of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000), Seventy-five Thousand Naira (N75,000) and Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000) respectively.
“Their letters have moved us – not just with words but with vision, sincerity, and creativity. These young writers remind us that the pen remains a powerful tool and that the future of communication lies in thoughtful expression. To our national winners: Congratulations! You have made us proud, and we urge you to continue using your voices to inspire positive change
“As we celebrate the winners, we would like to use the occasion to express management ‘s appreciation to the principals of the participating schools and students in the competition. We wish to also appeal to all schools’ authorities in the country to encourage greater participation by their students in subsequent editions of this important competition.
“This year’s World Post Day also coincides with the SERVICOM Week, a time when Ministries, Departments, and Agencies across Nigeria recommit to the principles of quality service, transparency, and accountability.
“At NIPOST, we do not take this commitment lightly. We reaffirm our pledge to uphold the SERVICOM Charter – ensuring that every customer is treated with respect, every parcel is handled with care, and every interaction reflects excellence.
“As part of today’s activities, we are proud to unveil a new chapter in our brand engagement strategy – the “Face of NIPOST. ” A bold step to demonstrated passion, professionalism, and embodies the core values of NIPOST: integrity, service, innovation, and national pride,” she added..
“The Face of NIPOST will serve as our brand ambassador for the year 2025, representing the organization at key events, promoting our services, and engaging with communities across the country.
“As we celebrate this World Post Day, let us remember that the strength of our postal service lies not only in infrastructure or technology, but in people the customers we serve, the staff who deliver, and the partners who support us.
“Let us continue to work together locally and globally to ensure that our post remains a powerful force for connecting Nigeria, delivering solutions & and improving lives.
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