Read!: Senate considers bill to unbundle NIPOST; The Senate is considering a bill to repeal the Nigerian Postal Service Act 2004 in order to unbundle the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST).

Senator Oluremi Tinubu introduced the resolution, which obtained a second reading on Tuesday (APC, Lagos Central). According to Tinubu, the bill aims to overhaul the postal industry as well as make Comprehensive Provisions for the Creation and Regulation of Postal Services in Nigeria.

The lawmaker recalled that NIPOST was established in 1852 and has progressed from a colonial administration necessity to a United Kingdom Collection Office.

Tinubu said as at when Nigeria gained independence, there were 176 Post Offices, 10 Sub-Post Offices and 1000 Postal Agencies.

The agency presently has 955 post offices and more than three thousand 3,000 Postal Agencies in the thirty-six states.

The lawmaker observed that in view of existing realities, it had become imperative for the NIPOST Act to be reviewed to guarantee improved efficiency and service.

The bill covers the implementation of a National Postal Policy, encourages local and foreign investment, ensures the protection of rights and interests of service providers, promotes small and medium enterprises in the sector, among others.

It also provides for the establishment of the Nigerian Postal Service and designates it as Public Postal Operator (PPO), a corporate body with a common seal whose responsibility includes the provision of Universal Postal Services in Nigeria.

Tinubu said clear delineation of roles will make NIPOST more commercially viable and efficient in service delivery.

The bill seeks the establishment of the Nigerian Postal Commission to regulate and supervise the Postal Sector.

Senate President Ahmad Lawan directed the Committee on Communications to work on the provisions. A report is expected in four weeks.