The Nigerian Postal Service has vowed to crack down on courier companies found aiding the trafficking of drugs and other illegal items through the country’s logistics system.
In a statement on Sunday, NIPOST’s Director of Corporate Communications, Franklin Alao, denounced a recent report titled, “Nigerian courier services easily transporting hard drugs since Tinubu became president – NIPOST.”
The agency described the headline as false, misleading, and detrimental to national security efforts. It said the report falsely attributed the claim to NIPOST, creating a misleading impression that the agency had acknowledged or endorsed such accusations.
“This is categorically FALSE,” the statement said. “At no point has NIPOST made such a statement or associated these activities with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
NIPOST reaffirmed its respect for the media’s role in promoting accountability and transparency but described the publication in question as reckless and sensational.
It cautioned that misleading reports on critical national issues such as drug trafficking not only spread false information but also jeopardise ongoing efforts to clean up the courier and logistics industry.
Reiterating its stance, NIPOST firmly condemned the use of courier services for criminal activities, particularly the trafficking of illicit drugs.
It reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward the misuse of Nigeria’s postal infrastructure and said it remained committed to regulating the sector with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
NIPOST noted that it has initiated several interventions to strengthen surveillance and enforcement within the logistics sector.
It revealed that all courier operators are currently undergoing a revalidation exercise, with strict enforcement of Know-Your-Customer protocols and compliance audits to enhance oversight and prevent system abuse.
The postal regulator added that it is collaborating closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Customs Service, and other security agencies to investigate and curb the use of logistics networks for transporting narcotics and other illicit items.
In addition, NIPOST said it has ramped up engagement with courier operators, transport unions, and logistics associations to foster sector-wide vigilance and encourage the reporting of suspicious packages.
The agency also disclosed that a new Digital Postcode and Parcel Identification System is being rolled out nationwide to enhance traceability, eliminate anonymity, and strengthen parcel screening from dispatch to final delivery.
“The Nigerian Postal Service is fully committed to restoring the integrity of Nigeria’s courier and logistics industry,” the statement said. “Any operator found to be involved in criminal activity will face immediate regulatory sanctions, including license suspension or revocation, and be reported to appropriate authorities for prosecution.”
