NIPOST Denies Drug Trafficking Allegation, Says It Never Linked Courier Abuse to Tinubu’s Administration

 

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has denied reports suggesting it confirmed that courier services have been used to traffic drugs since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office, describing the claim as misleading and unfounded. The agency, through its management, clarified that it never linked any illegal courier activities to the current administration and warned against twisting its statements for sensational headlines.

The controversy arose following reports that quoted Oludotun Sounde, General Manager of the Courier and Logistics Regulatory Department of NIPOST in Ondo State, allegedly stating that courier companies have become conduits for transporting hard drugs and other illegal items since the beginning of the Tinubu administration. The reports claimed that Sounde made these remarks during a stakeholders’ engagement with registered courier operators in Akure.

Reacting to the publication, NIPOST’s Director of Corporate Communications, Franklin Alao, issued a statement disassociating the agency from the narrative that it blamed the Tinubu government for the misuse of courier services by criminals. He stressed that the agency’s position has always been clear: that unlicensed courier operators and illegal logistics outfits pose a threat to national security but that this issue did not start with or worsen under any specific administration.

According to Alao, NIPOST’s focus has always been on sanitising the courier and logistics sector to ensure that only licensed, credible operators are allowed to handle parcels and packages across the country. He noted that the agency works closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Customs Service, and other security agencies to identify and shut down illegal courier businesses that often operate from motor parks and hidden locations.

He further explained that the statement made by Sounde at the stakeholders’ meeting was a general warning to operators to adhere strictly to regulations, including proper documentation of packages and verifying senders’ identities. The intention, Alao said, was to remind operators of their obligations under the Courier and Logistics Regulatory Guidelines and not to indict the federal government.

NIPOST said the report, which suggested a direct link between courier-facilitated drug trafficking and the Tinubu administration, was reckless and capable of misleading the public and damaging the reputation of both the postal service and the government. The agency called on media organisations to exercise caution and verify information before publication to avoid unnecessary panic and confusion.

NIPOST also restated its commitment to upholding high standards within the courier industry. It highlighted that over the years, the Courier and Logistics Regulatory Department has intensified its efforts to rid the sector of unregistered operators who undermine legitimate businesses and provide cover for criminal activities. According to the agency, regular monitoring, inspections, and compliance checks have resulted in the closure of many illegal offices and the seizure of assets used for unauthorized courier operations.

Industry insiders say illegal courier services often attract unsuspecting customers by offering lower delivery rates and faster services, making it difficult for licensed companies to compete. These informal operators, many of which run without physical addresses or clear records, create loopholes exploited by criminals to transport banned substances, counterfeit goods, and sometimes dangerous items like firearms.

In recent months, NIPOST has partnered with law enforcement agencies to carry out raids across states such as Ondo, Lagos, and Kaduna, shutting down unlicensed courier offices and arresting those who flout the law. The agency says these operations are part of a broader plan to protect the integrity of the logistics sector, which plays a crucial role in trade, e-commerce, and economic growth.

NIPOST encouraged the public to always patronize licensed courier companies, noting that registered operators display valid certificates and are traceable. It also advised Nigerians to report suspicious delivery businesses to the nearest postal office or law enforcement agency to help stem the tide of illegal logistics activities.

The agency assured Nigerians that it would continue to strengthen its regulatory framework, implement advanced tracking systems, and enforce strict compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures to curb the misuse of courier services for criminal purposes.

As concerns over drug trafficking and other illicit trades continue to grow, stakeholders believe that improved collaboration among government agencies, legitimate logistics operators, and the public will help protect the sector. They also called for stiffer penalties for offenders and more awareness campaigns to educate people about the risks of using unauthorized delivery services.

NIPOST concluded by urging the media to support its drive to reform the courier industry by reporting responsibly and focusing on facts rather than sensational headlines. It reminded journalists that their role in shaping public perception cannot be underestimated, especially on sensitive issues that touch on national security and the image of the government.

With this clarification, the agency hopes to put an end to the speculation and reaffirm its commitment to ensuring that courier services in Nigeria remain secure, credible, and reliable. It pledged to sustain its collaboration with the NDLEA, Customs, the police, and other security agencies to prevent criminal elements from exploiting the postal and logistics system for illegal activities.

NIPOST also reiterated that it remains focused on its core mandate of providing efficient postal services, regulating the courier industry, and supporting the federal government’s drive to create jobs and boost the economy through a secure, well-regulated logistics network.