The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has unveiled a new digital payment solution designed to simplify the process of paying duties, levies, and handling charges for foreign parcels arriving in Nigeria. The innovation aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and user convenience in the management of international mail and parcel deliveries across the country.
Announcing the development in Abuja, the Postmaster General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of NIPOST, Tola Odeyemi, said the new payment system was part of ongoing reforms to modernise postal operations and align them with global best practices. She explained that the solution would help customers make payments electronically, eliminating delays and the challenges associated with manual transactions.
According to Odeyemi, the digital payment platform was developed to address long-standing complaints from customers about cumbersome customs clearance and payment procedures for inbound international parcels. “We are proud to introduce this solution as part of our commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and service excellence,” she said.
She added that the payment system will allow customers to track and settle charges online through a secure and transparent process. The solution is integrated with NIPOST’s existing parcel management system and is compatible with multiple payment options, including debit cards, bank transfers, and mobile wallets.
Odeyemi emphasized that the initiative aligns with the federal government’s Digital Economy Agenda, which aims to leverage technology to improve public service delivery and promote ease of doing business. She noted that with the growing volume of cross-border e-commerce transactions, a modern and efficient payment system had become critical for Nigeria’s postal sector.
“The world is increasingly digital, and NIPOST must not be left behind. This platform provides a seamless customer experience, ensures faster parcel processing, and enhances revenue transparency. It is a significant milestone in our digital transformation journey,” the Postmaster General stated.
NIPOST’s Director of Operations, Dr. Yusuf Sule, explained that the payment solution was developed in collaboration with key financial technology partners to ensure interoperability and security. He said the system uses advanced encryption technology to protect users’ financial data and transaction history.
Dr. Sule noted that the platform would also integrate with Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) systems, enabling real-time verification of parcel duties and facilitating smoother customs clearance. “This will eliminate the need for physical cash payments and reduce the incidence of fraud, errors, and revenue leakage,” he said.
He further disclosed that the new solution would be rolled out in phases, starting with NIPOST’s international offices in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt before being extended to all major postal centers nationwide. Customers will receive electronic notifications via email or SMS once their parcels arrive and will be able to make payments instantly through the platform.
Stakeholders in the logistics and e-commerce sectors have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention to improve Nigeria’s cross-border trade efficiency. Mr. Adewale Adedayo, a logistics expert and CEO of ParcelNet Africa, said the new payment system would enhance NIPOST’s competitiveness in the growing e-commerce logistics market.
“This is a step in the right direction. The world has moved toward contactless payments, and this innovation will give NIPOST a much-needed edge in efficiency and customer trust,” Adedayo said.
Similarly, the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) commended NIPOST for the move, stating that it would help local businesses that rely on imported goods and raw materials to manage their logistics processes more effectively. The association noted that faster payment and clearance would reduce turnaround time and enable businesses to meet customer demands promptly.
Odeyemi reiterated that the launch of the digital payment platform marks a new chapter in NIPOST’s operations. She affirmed that the organisation is determined to reposition itself as a key player in Nigeria’s digital economy through innovation, automation, and improved service delivery.
“We are transforming NIPOST from a traditional postal operator into a modern logistics and e-commerce solutions provider. Our focus is on leveraging technology to improve accessibility, transparency, and accountability,” she said.
She also hinted that NIPOST is exploring partnerships with global postal operators and e-commerce platforms to integrate its payment and logistics solutions, thereby facilitating smoother cross-border transactions.
The Postmaster General assured Nigerians that the organisation remains committed to sustaining reforms that would ensure better postal and logistics services, efficient handling of international mail, and greater customer satisfaction.
Industry observers believe that this new payment solution could significantly improve Nigeria’s ranking in global logistics performance, strengthen postal revenue, and promote the adoption of digital payments among citizens.
With this initiative, NIPOST continues to demonstrate its readiness to adapt to changing customer needs and the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy, marking another step toward the full digital transformation of Nigeria’s postal services.
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