The Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) has stated it will likely be migrating from its present licensing regime to a digital one efficient from the second quarter of this 12 months to fast-track the method for logistics corporations within the nation.
The Postmaster-Normal of NIPOST, Ms. Tola Odeyemi, disclosed this on Wednesday throughout a stakeholder discussion board on Accelerating E-commerce via Digital and Bodily Infrastructure Integration.
In response to her, this may additionally enable candidates to trace and know the standing of their licenses, in addition to get digital certificates.
“We’re migrating from an analogue to a digital licensing course of, that needs to be prepared second quarter of this 12 months, in order that individuals are in a position to observe and know the standing of their licenses, in addition to get digital certificates as their license, and for many who need the bodily ones, we are going to present it additionally,” she stated.
Integrating postal workplaces with digital platforms
In his welcome handle on the discussion board the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Financial system, Dr. Bosun Tijani, stated that e-commerce holds a central place within the world financial system, and Nigeria, with its dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, has the potential to guide on this area.
- He, nonetheless, famous that realizing this potential requires a complete strategy to addressing the logistical and infrastructural challenges that hinder the seamless motion of products and providers, significantly in underserved and rural areas.
- To that finish, the Minister stated there’s a have to combine NIPOST workplaces into all digital platforms to enhance the logistics community throughout the nation.
- In response to him, NIPOST with over 1,000 publish workplaces throughout the nation is at present being underutilised.
“Leveraging these property to help logistics and supply whereas integrating them with digital platforms gives a transformative alternative to create a nationwide logistics community.
“This community will make e-commerce accessible throughout Nigeria’s 36 states, considerably boosting inclusion and accessibility in underserved areas.
“This integration will present a essential enhance to the e-commerce ecosystem, reducing limitations to entry, enhancing logistics capabilities, and increasing market entry for companies, significantly small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“By strengthening this basis, we make sure that Nigeria’s digital financial system thrives not simply domestically, but additionally contributes to advancing intra-African commerce underneath AfCFTA’s Digital Commerce Protocols,” stated the Minister, who was represented on the discussion board by the Postmaster Normal.
Navigating the infrastructure problem
Talking on the infrastructure problem within the nation and the way logistics corporations have been surmounting them, the Normal of Glovo Nigeria, Lamide Akinola, stated the corporate has been leveraging expertise in numerous areas together with for route optimization and addressing.
She famous that the problem of funds is already being addressed with the rising adoption of e-payments and digital funds.
“The infrastructure challenges are being addressed, even on the regulator aspect and our aspect as effectively, and I believe we’re getting there, we’re seeing progress in addressing the challenges we’re going through,” she stated.
E-commerce in Africa
The discussion board additionally witnessed the presentation of a report on the state of e-commerce in Africa by the International Director of Authorities Relations at Glovo, Mr. William Benthall.
- He famous that the examine by Glovo revealed that entry to finance is without doubt one of the main challenges for its companions throughout Africa.
- He added that different challenges inhibiting e-commerce in Africa embrace unclear rules and governments limiting the motion of motorbikes.
- The report reveals that Glovo, via its logistics service, has generated 1 billion Euro for African companies between 2020 and 2024.
