The Postmaster General (PMG), Tola Odeyemi, outlined the vision for a digitally inclusive Nigeria, where every citizen has access to reliable and affordable postal services.

Delivering a speech as a rally to commemorate the World Post Day, Odeyemi said NIPOST was determined to drive the nation’s socio-economic development and improve the lives of its citizens.

She said NIPOST would continue to focus on revitalising postal facilities to enhance last-mile delivery, security and access to government services.

The PMG said the theme for this year’s celebration, “Post for People: Local Service, Global Reach,” resonated with NIPOST’s vision and mission.

“ Our mission is clear: we are here to connect people, businesses, and communities through a robust, integrated network of postal and logistics services.

“ This annual event unites the global postal family in reflection, celebration, and recommitment to service,” she said.

She added that NIPOST is championing the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as the backbone of the economy.

“ To empower them, we introduced a 15 per cent logistics discount for all MSMEs registered with SMEDAN.

“ Our e-commerce platform, Digital Market Places provides Nigerian SMEs with seamless online shipping, order management, and last-mile delivery solutions,” she said.

She also said NIPOST was committed to digital inclusion, MSME empowerment, and the nation’s agricultural development.

She further said that NIPOST was working tirelessly to bridge the gap between rural and urban communities.

“The launch of the National Addressing System, e-commerce platform, and NIPOST Agro-Infrastructure and Logistics Initiative (NAILI) are testaments to the organisation’s dedication to modernisation and transformation,” she said.

“ We are committed to digital inclusion, and our National Addressing System, developed in collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPoPc), will facilitate efficient mail delivery.

“ Our new digital postcode will capture every part of Nigeria, using a systematic framework for alpha-numeric characters. It will also enhance government services accessibility, and emergency services,” she said.

She said that NIPOST’s initiatives were central to the Ministry of Communication’s vision for digital inclusion which supported Federal Government’s stance on universal National Identification Number coverage by 2026.

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Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Abuja on Monday, Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), said the interventions target preventable deaths.

Aina stressed that the initiative forms part of government’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare for women and children, and reducing maternal mortality nationwide.

He explained that the commodities are designed to deliver high-impact interventions across Primary Health Care facilities in selected states, starting with ten states facing the highest mortality burden.

“The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of safeguarding the lives of women and children,” Aina stated.

He said the intervention aims to bridge critical healthcare gaps, adding that states are encouraged to sustain and expand the initiative in their operational frameworks.

Aina explained that the programme initially targets 80 Local Government Areas with the highest maternal health risks, while commodities will be provided to mothers and children free of charge.

According to him, distribution is zonal, with 60 per cent allocated to the Northwest, 34 per cent to the Northeast, while North Central and Southeast share the remainder.

He added that the intervention includes strengthening PHC facilities, upgrading infrastructure, and training health workers alongside commodity distribution.

National Coordinator of the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII), Dr Dayo Adeyanju, said the intervention would bolster PHC service delivery and reduce preventable deaths.

Adeyanju emphasised that the campaign highlights the importance of MNH, fostering collaboration between national, state, and local health authorities, alongside support from development partners.

He applauded the FG’s interventions in maternal and child health, urging state governments to commit resources and integrate MNH programmes into their annual operational plans for sustainability.

“Too many women die needlessly from preventable causes. Even one avoidable death is too many,” Adeyanju declared.

He said the distribution officially marks government’s renewed commitment to drastically cut maternal and neonatal mortality across Nigeria.

World Health Organisation (WHO) representative, Dr Mary Brantwo, reaffirmed WHO’s support for Nigeria’s healthcare delivery, stressing that maternal health data will now be tracked annually to measure progress.

Representatives of UNICEF, UNFPA, and the Gates Foundation also pledged continued support, commending government’s efforts towards improving maternal health nationwide.

The distributed items include delivery packs, antenatal drugs, supplements, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, family planning materials, and essential medicines for maternal and neonatal care.

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Echefu, the chairman EIB Group, said this on Wednesday during a media tour of the security facilities of the company.

The company provides intelligence support for Nigeria’s security agencies though digital forensics, tracking and critical assets as well as supply of combat and surveillance drones.

It manufactures Arginin Reconnaissance Drones configured for high-performance reconnaissance and surveillance missions.

The company also produces Arsenio BFLY and Xander Reconnaissance drones among other super precise attack drones that can navigate difficult environments.

“These systems are crucial in combating insurgent groups, adopting different drones for reconnaissance and attack missions.

“ The primary purpose was to demonstrate the capabilities of the security apparatus deployed to fight insurgency, its potential is to enhance counter-insurgency operations and mitigate the threats posed by insurgent groups.

“ The significance of this effort lies in stressing the potential of the equipment to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.’’ he said.

Echefu said the tools would also improve force protection and reduce troop casualties by minimising reliance on manned reconnaissance missions.

“The use of commercial drones by insurgent groups presents significant challenges for security forces.

“ To address this, the security apparatus is leveraging technologies like drone detection and jamming systems, improved intelligence gathering, and counter-drone systems,’’ Echefu stated.

“The system will generate insights from the collected data, allowing for better decision-making and improved resource allocation.

“This system will provide at-a-glance dashboards showing the status and location of monitored items, including parameters like satellite imagery and intelligence gathering capabilities to support security agencies,’’ he said.

Echefu also said with the right support and increased investment indigenous companies had the capacity to provide the needed logistics support to the military in the fight against insecurity.

While acknowledging the support from government to the indigenous security firms, he called for more policies to foster Nigerian companies’ growth, especially those in defence and security sector.

“ I can tell you that I am not the only one that is into supporting the various sectors, by local activities, local productions. There is a lot going on. People are producing even tractors in Nigeria now.

“Nigeria has 100 per cent capacity right now to end this urgency with the number of local companies that are investing heavily.

“ The Nigerian military strongly supports local manufacturers through research collaboration and support,” Echefu said.

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They said this on Saturday in Abuja during interviews with our reporter.

Mr Gbenga Bada, an automotive technician at Kugbo, urged government to create more awareness about the benefits of EVs as well as invest in the infrastructure that would stimulate its growth.

“Many Nigerians are still unaware of the benefits and availability of EVs.

“There is also skills and maintenance gap; there is the need for more trained technicians for EV maintenance,” he told our reporter.

He acknowledged government’s efforts through agencies like the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) in promoting EV adoption.

“I think they have launched some EV charging stations and unveiled locally assembled electric buses.

“The government aims to achieve 30 per growth in electric mobility, aligning with the National Automotive Industrial Development Plan.

“China is also investing in EV factories in Nigeria, tapping into the country’s lithium reserves,” he said.

According to him, there is growing EV Presence and estimates suggest there are now between 15,000 to 20,000 EVs on Nigerian roads as of early 2025 which is a significant increase from previous years.

He also said the Nigerian market offers considerable potential for EVs growth with its large and growing population, increasing urbanisation.

He said through private sector initiatives global brands were already making their presence felt in Abuja and Lagos.

Mr Austin Emmanuel, a renewable energy expert said by investing in EVs, the Federal Government would be sending a signal about its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

He said successfully integrating it into the nation’s transport sector would bolster the economy through job creation and ease of movement of humans and goods.

Emmanuel said Nigeria possessed abundant renewable energy resources such as solar and wind, which could sustainably support the functionality of EVs.

“Nigeria has also pledged to achieve 100 per cent zero-emission sales for new cars and vans by 2040.

“This aligns with global climate goals and the need for cleaner transportation solutions should create a strong demand for EVs.

“The SAGLEV Electromobility Nigeria Limited has launched an EV assembly plant in Lagos, with a target of 10,000 vehicles annually. They are also assembling BRT buses and passenger cars,’’ he said.

He said Nigeria’s potential for EVs impact is remarkably high becuase its vibrant tech ecosystem provides an opportunity for EVs research and development.

Asabe Daniel, a graduate of Transport Planning and Management told NAN that EVs would be cost-effective in the long run.

“Initial purchase costs may be high, but in the long run EVs will be generally cheaper to run and maintain due to differences in fuel costs.

She also called for investment in renewable energy sources to power the EVs battery charging infrastructure in Nigeria.

“There is need for a concerted effort involving public and private sectors investment if Nigeria will maximize the potential in EVs.

“To pave the way for a sustainable and successful transition to electric mobility, strong collaboration between the government, private sector, and international development partners is crucial,” she said.

Recall that among other initiatives to support EVs adaption in Nigeria, the Federal Government recently approved contracts worth nearly N152 billion to introduce EVs in north-east.

Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said the contracts, approved by the Federal Executive Council, aim to promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the region.

According to him, the contracts include N2.9 billion awarded to Bluecrest Integrated Concept Limited for ten 17-seater electric buses, while Mutual Commitment Company Limited will supply 4,000 e-tricycles for N49.6 billion.

He said Shanghai Integrated Infrastructure Development and Sinoma Investment International Limited will provide an additional 6,000 e-tricycles for N37.2 billion and N16.3 billion, among others.

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Uche Nnaji, Minister, of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST), said this on Wednesday at a dialogue session organized by Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) in Abuja.

NAN reports that the presentation and dialogue session had science and technology stakeholders, strategic donor agencies and development partners in attendance.

Nnaji said that achieving the 60 ped cent goal represented a bold vision for Nigeria’s future, where raw materials are not exported in their crude form but processed and enriched to maximise value before exportation.

He said that Nigeria’s raw materials sector held vast potential not for the growth of our economy and for creating a resilient, self-sustaining industrial base that benefits all Nigerians.

“Achieving our target of 60 per cent value addition will lay the foundation for widespread economic empowerment and poverty reduction.

“The RMRDC in collaboration with African Development Bank (AfDB), is developing a comprehensive 10-year roadmap to achieve a transformation in Nigeria’s raw material value addition, from the current 25 per cent to at least 60 percent,” he said.

He called on the participants to support amd to develop the critical capacities necessary to usher in a new era of raw material utilization that will define the future of Nigeria’s industrial landscape.

“Your support will quicken our pace to the desired target,” he said.

He said that the Federal Government would implement a national strategy on competitiveness in raw materials and products development to boost the competitiveness in raw materials and products development in Nigeria.

The Director-General of RMRDC, Prof Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso also stated that the council had a renewed drive of becoming a continental leader in the raw materials research and development ecosystem.

Ike-Muonso said that the event was designed to showcase the council’s programmes and projects as well as explore technical funding and other opportunities and support for the RMRDC’s proposed ten-year roadmap.

According to the Director-General, this maiden edition of RMRDC’s programme presentation and dialogue session is the first in the series for our transition to continental leadership of the raw materials ecosystem.

He said that the RMRDC’s 10-year roadmap outlined strategic interventions, including building critical capacity in circularity and repurposing, developing relevant databases and MIS.

He said that others interventions were upgrading raw material testing laboratories and associated technology development workshops.

The RMRDC D-G said that the dialogue promised to provide a rich and robust set of technical and investment information for investors, researchers, and industry policy makers.

The Permanent Secretary FMSTI, Mrs. Esuabana Asanye, also underscored the event’s importance for discussing the National Strategy.

She called on stakeholders to collaborate for the country’s socio-economic development, and emphasised the importance of clearly defined stakeholder roles in policy, legal frameworks, and outputs.

She called for collective efforts and commitment to ensure the target’s success and achieve the nation’s goals.

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TAJ Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr Hamid Joda, said this when he paid a visit to the Postmaster General/CEO of NIPOST, Ms. Tola Odeyemi, in Abuja.

Joda said the new public-private partnership (PPP) initiative with the postal agency was to work together for mutual and the nation’s socioeconomic benefits.

According to him, both parties met for discussions on how to push further on initiatives targeted at public-private endeavours aimed aimed at adding value to the nation’s financial inclusion drive and enhancement of postal services in the country.

He said that the bank would work hand in hand with the NIPOST management, riding primarily on branch expansion with the postal agency’s offices thus expanding the innovative products and services of the non-interest lender.

The managing director explained that the collaboration with NIPOST hinged on 3Rs – rent, refurbish and rebrand.

He also explained that the latest network expansion of TAJBank’s services in Lagos was another step taken by the board and management of the bank to add value to individuals and business owners’ efforts.

”Indeed, the point here is that at TAJBank, we are about a strategy of cost-saving, in addition to leveraging our services on world-class ICT infrastructure and solutions nationwide.

”We are determined to promote inclusion at the grassroots not through POS or other channels alone but through human interface with prospective customers,” Joda said.

He thanked the Postmaster for the opportunity given to the bank to partner with the agency.

Commenting on the collaboration, Odeyemi lauded TAJBank’s collaboration strategy and expressed optimism that working together would be mutually beneficial.

According to her, the brand speaks for itself and is here to provide cost-efficient and interest-free banking services to everyone.

She expressed the readiness of the agency to work together with the bank.

In the same vein, the bank’s Executive Director, Mr Sherif Idi, noted that TAJBank was determined to show how to redefine non-interest banking services as a customer-focused lender.

”NIPOST’s mandate aligns with our strategy which reflects in its readiness to give all that it takes to surpass customer expectations wherever we are located.

”Our only interest is our customers and I wish to mention that as a country, TAJBank is a proudly Nigerian institution and with partnership with NIPOST,

”We can rebuild our heritage, re-tell our story and above all contribute significantly to the nation’s economy,” Idi said.

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Mr Sunday Adepoju, the Post Master General(PMG)/CEO of NIPOST, who stated this on Thursday at a media briefing in Abuja added that the project, when completed, will upgrade general connectivity and communication.

He said that NIPOST had embarked on a transformative endeavor that focuses not only on the digital evolution of postcodes but also on the concept of National Address Verification.

The PMG sad: “NIPOST is embracing digital transformation to elevate operational efficiency in a world where digital solutions and data utilisation have taken center stage, involving leading postal operators.

“Notably, numerous developed countries, including certain African nations had integrated digital postcodes as a pivotal element of their postal modernization endeavors.’’

Adepoju said that the feasibility and efficacy of digitizing postcodes was achieved and successful through unwavering collaboration.

“Our journey towards the implementation of this platform was not sudden; it was meticulously planned and carefully executed.

“It commenced with rigorous pre-field data training, collection by empowering our committed workforce with the essential skills and knowledge required for this undertaking.

“Our teams worked hand in hand with esteemed partners, including the National Population Commission (NPC) NASRDA, OSGOF, various government agencies, and other esteemed collaborators,’’ he said.

Adepoju said the digital postcode initiative, if rolled out, would revolutionize the services provided by NIPOST especially in revenue generation and address challenges associated with ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’.

He also said the project would roll out a standardized process to ensure utmost accuracy and reliability in confirming and validating addresses and their occupants throughout the nation.

“The National Digital Alpha-Numeric Postcode System is an initiative that has the potential to significantly improve nationwide service delivery, enhance security, and generate revenue for NIPOST and other government agencies.

“It also has far reaching benefits for public and private sector, including crime prevention, identity fraud reduction, emergency services coordination, border control, e-commerce, data collection, financial inclusion, healthcare access, tourism and culture, education, job creation,’’ he said.

It was reported that the digital Postcode, which is Alphanumeric, will function as a geocode, facilitating the direct identification of geographical units.

This project, which will be rolled out in October will empower data and geographic agencies to accommodate forthcoming urban development and expansion.

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Chukwu’s appointment was contained in a statement made available to our correspondent on Tuesday in Abuja by NBTI’s Head of Corporate Communications and Media, Reuben Shagu.

According to the Shagu, the appointment of Chukwu took effect from 1st May,2023.

He said: ”Until her appointment Chukwu was the Director of the South East zonal office of the board.

“The new Chief Executive Officer also served as the Pioneer Centre Manager for the Technology Incubation Centre. Nnewi.

“She was also the pioneer Zonal Director, NBTI South East and she championed the establishment of many Institution-based Technology Incubation Centres in tertiary Institutions across the country .”

Our correspondent reports that Chukwu holds a PhD in Agricultural Extension from Ebonyi University and an MSc and PGD in Technology Management from Enugu State University.

Chukwu, who doubles as an expert in Technology Incubation Programme has a first degree in General Agriculture.

She is a member of many Professional bodies, including the National Business Incubators Network of America.

Added to her academic portfolio are 40 research publications and 11 patents.

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Paul, whose foundation is into broadband outsourcing, told our correspondent in Abuja that gaining simple cyber security skills and awareness was very important.

“It will help internet users to gain a holistic view of current cyber issues and how to perceive threats,” he said.

Paul added that users should acquire basic internet skills by adopting good passwords and strong internet security controls, among others.

He noted that the importance of such skills could not be more emphasised with the fact that post-pandemic working behaviour and patterns are still being influenced.

“More than half of workers worldwide have returned to their offices or are accessing the internet from their office network, while some continue to work from home.

“Most of those working from home and even at work are affected by cyber threats”.

Paul stated that some online reports reveal the gaps which remain in security awareness in spite of the risks and the evolution of hybrid working frameworks.

He said some people were still very likely to share their personal information and many would trust and respond to an email from someone they did not know.

“People think they know more than they do and do not want to learn, yet they are still taking unnecessary risks in spite of their growing awareness and understanding of cybercrime.

“So many have fallen for a phishing email or have had a malware infection very recently.

“This is compounded by the fact that most internet users believe they cannot identify an online security threat because only a few who have mastered basic cyber security skills can accurately identify ransom ware,” the Olive ICT Foundation managing director said.

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The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Adeleke Mamora, presented the certificates to the beneficiaries on Thursday in Abuja.

The presentation was organised by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP).

Mamora described the event as a boost to research, industrialisation and development in the country.

He praised NOTAP for delivering on its mandate by providing an efficient process for the acquisition and domestication of foreign technologies.

The minister urged beneficiaries to create an impact for the FG’s Economic Sustainability Plan where researches were translated to production activities and create jobs for youth.

“Nigerian innovators, researchers and scientists should improve on their ability to protect their intellectual properties through the help of NOTAP.

“The recipients should make more efforts to move their Research and Development results to be available in the market, which would boost the nation’s overall socio-economic fortunes,” he said.

Mamora added that for any economy to strengthen its intellectual properties, it must increase its investment in Research and Development (R and D).

He called for improved partnership between the private sector and research communities to reduce the nation’s dependence on oil.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Director-General of NOTAP, Dr DanAzumi Ibrahim, said, “for any economy to become independent, there is the need for capacity building.

“For any nation to become economically independent, we have to develop the necessary capacities, they are the human resources God has given us.

“In the process, we realise the gap between us and developing nations is wide and it is important to bridge it.

“Doing so depends on our capacity to convert our raw materials into products and services, and food supply.

Ibrahim said: “We don’t need to import anything into the country, but to export and make income from other nation.”

The D-G added that no nation that was aspiring to become economically independent would fold its arms and allow its economy to collapse.

He also said that more than 90 per cent of the technologies that powered the Nigerian economy were imported technologies.

“No nation can do it alone, scientists are expected to come up with technologies that should be able to assist Nigeria improve the quality of life of our citizens,” he said.

Ibrahim added that the private sector and research communities had responsibilities to come together to see how the country can grow into economic prosperity.

“We see the quantum amount that leaves this country as licensing fees, this should inspire our intervention,” he said.

It was reported that some of the innovations were based on renewable energy, military hardware and election monitoring.

Some of the beneficiary institutions included the research and development arms of University of Ilorin, Nigerian Airforce, Ekiti University, Yaba College of Technology and Scientific Development Institute.

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