The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has issued a stern warning to courier and logistics service providers operating illegally across the country, emphasizing the need for registration and compliance with federal regulations.
At the 36th Enugu International Trade Fair, Dr. Chris Ashiedu, NIPOST’s Enugu State Postal Manager, made it clear that any company or individual offering courier services without proper registration will face fines, imprisonment, or both.
Illegal Operators Under Scrutiny
“We are determined to bring all courier and logistics providers in Enugu State under our regulatory guidance,” Ashiedu said.
So far, 29 companies have been registered under NIPOST in the state. However, Ashiedu noted that many more are operating in secret, attempting to evade regulation. In response, NIPOST is developing a tracking application designed to detect and locate these clandestine operators.
A Clear Mandate
NIPOST is legally empowered by the Federal Government to regulate and license all courier and logistics activities in Nigeria. This includes everything from large logistics firms to small-scale dispatch riders.
“Whether you’re moving food or fruit from one place to another using a motorbike or car, that’s courier service,” Ashiedu explained. “And it must be licensed.”
He emphasized that the agency recently clamped down on several unregistered providers in Enugu and will continue such enforcement actions to ensure full compliance.
Affordable and Tiered Registration
To encourage compliance, NIPOST has categorized logistics providers into different tiers — international, national, regional, and state-level — with lower fees for smaller operations, especially those operating solely within a single state.
“The bulk of these services fall into the state category and pay very minimal fees for both registration and annual renewal,” Ashiedu said.
A Call to Action
With Nigeria’s booming e-commerce and on-demand delivery sectors, the logistics industry is growing rapidly — but NIPOST insists that growth must happen within the law. All logistics providers are therefore urged to register immediately, or risk facing the full weight of legal enforcement.
The message is clear: Operating without a license is no longer an option.
