THE Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) has intercepted 159 scam letters containing counterfeit financial instruments worth N13.6 billion between January to September 2014.
Meanwhile, NIPOST has announced collaboration with the private sector to commence the implementation of Stamp Duties Act which could provide a viable source of revenue for the agency.
Post Master General of the Federation, Mallam Ibrahim Mori Baba, who disclosed the interception yesterday in Abuja noted that the collaboration between NIPOST and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the provision of financial services through the post offices is still on course, adding that a committee to identify the best way in which the assets and resources of NIPOST could be utilized to attain the nation’s financial inclusion target is working on the project.
Baba, who observed that the industry is facing enormous challenges, said that IT systems for tracking and tracing of mail processing in domestic operations have been supplied to all major post offices across the country.
He stated that in spite of the security challenges in the country which have adversely affected mail delivery service, the agency has recorded improvement in the number of mail items.
Baba spoke as the world celebrated World Post Day yesterday.
The Postal Manager, Imo Territory of Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST), Pantaleon Obiorah, at the celebration, appealed to Imo people and environs to purchase from the service about 10,000 Private Mail Bags (PMB) boxes not rented and unused in different territories within the 27 Local councils of the three senatorial zones. He assured that postal services provided by the agency would not be deterred by the advent of the Information Communication Technology (ICT), and private postal services.
Obiorah, during the celebration and interactive forum held at the headquarters of the Service in Owerri, capital of Imo State, assured the would- be customers of efficient and improved service delivery to be offered to them by the over 350 workers of the agency.
He expressed regret that since he was posted to Imo State about a year ago with determination and burning desire to serve the people of the state, the boxes have been lying waste, adding that though he had recorded improved revenue in millions of naira since assumption of duty, he required the understanding of stakeholders for improved service delivery.
The PM said Baba has been working hard to ensure that workers’ welfare is given boost, warning all workers to imbibe better working attitude for more productivity.
Obiorah expressed disgust that some post offices demolished by the Imo State government are yet to be replaced despite appeals to relevant government agencies and huge tax payments made.
