NAN-H-63
NIPOST
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, Nov. 2, 2016 (NAN) Mr Adebayo Shittu, the Minister of Communications said the ongoing reform in the Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) would take effect in the first quarter of 2017.
Shittu made this known while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan at the monthly forum of the Oyo State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He stated that the ministry has alraedy submitted a memo in furtherance of the reform to the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
He added that the ministry also working closely with the Bureau of Public Enterprise to ensure that the reform succeeds.
According to him, the reform is aimed at expanding NIPOST’s mandate to boost its capacity to deliver quality service and increase government revenue.
“We intend to bring on board some new services in the operations of NIPOST. Among them is NIPOST Banking and Insurance Service and NIPOST Properties Services.
“Others are: NIPOST Transport and Logistics Services; NIPOST E-Commerce Services and NIPOST E-Government Services,” he said.
The minister said that the services would contribute a lot to strengthening the nation’s economy and improve the agency’s capacity to contribute significantly to the national treasury.
Shittu also said that the ministry had evolved policies that would promote Information Communication Technology (ICT) and enable it to serve as an another massive source of revenue to the country.
He said that with an effective ICT industry in place, social and business life as well government productivity would be enhanced.
According to him, all that is required is broadband connectivity.
“We have evolved ICT roadmap for 2016 to 2019. ICT will encourage foreign direct investment.
“All we have to do is to provide the enabling environment, regulation, and legislation as well as encourage people,’’ he said.
Speaking on the issue of a cabal within the government, he said he was not aware that such exists within FEC.
“I am a member of FEC. I have a right to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of Nigeria’s dream.
“I have been doing that and representing the state very well without any hindrance.
“I don’t know of the existence of any cabal. Those talking about it should explain the meaning of cabal.
“It is mischievous to talk about such thing.’’ (NAN)
TAA/YEE
Edited by Emmanuel Yashim
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