Cynthia Ezegwu
The Federal Government on Thursday unveiled the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) Automated Payment Solution for inbound international delivery items — a digital innovation aimed at eliminating long queues, improving transparency, and simplifying customs payments for millions of Nigerians engaged in cross-border trade.
The launch, held in Abuja, marked a major milestone in NIPOST’s ongoing transformation drive under the supervision of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Rafiu Adeladan, Tijani described the initiative as “a living example of how a modern public service should operate — in partnership with innovators, technology, and citizens.”
He said the collaboration between NIPOST and its private-sector partners — Paystack, Sendbox, and Messenger — exemplifies how public institutions can embrace innovation to deliver efficient, citizen-focused services.
“Today’s gathering is more than a product launch; it’s a statement of intent. This is how a modern public service should operate: one that sees the private sector not as a rival but as a collaborator for national progress,” the minister said.
Tijani noted that the system addresses longstanding complaints about delays, hidden charges, and inefficiencies in postal services and customs payments, describing such bottlenecks as barriers to trade and e-commerce.
“When citizens lose time and money navigating inefficient systems, we all lose as a nation. This launch represents a tangible solution and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s priorities for a digital economy powered by digital public infrastructure,” he added.
Under the new system, Paystack will provide the secure payment gateway for customs duties, Sendbox will enable real-time parcel tracking, while Messenger will handle last-mile delivery logistics.
Postmaster General of the Federation, Ms. Tola Odeyemi, said the initiative marked “a new chapter” in NIPOST’s history, combining legacy public service with modern technology and fintech innovation.
“Customers can now receive real-time notifications once customs duties are assessed, make secure online payments, and have their parcels delivered directly to their homes or offices,” Odeyemi explained.
She said the platform integrates Paystack for payment processing, Sendbox for tracking, and Messenger alongside NIPOST’s EMS for reliable delivery, ensuring a transparent, end-to-end logistics ecosystem.
Odeyemi added that one of the key benefits of the new platform is real-time remittance of postal and customs revenues to the government, replacing the old monthly remittance process and ensuring greater transparency.
“For the government, this means efficiency and accountability. For customers, it means speed, convenience, and confidence,” she said.
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She disclosed that while the current phase focuses on inbound shipments, NIPOST plans to extend the system to exports through its forthcoming TradePost Project, a move expected to boost Nigeria’s participation in cross-border e-commerce.
During a live demonstration at the event, NIPOST’s operations team showcased how the automated process will cut parcel delivery times by up to five days, with customers now receiving early electronic customs notifications and payment links via SMS, email, or WhatsApp.
Paystack CEO and co-founder, Shola Akinlade, lauded the collaboration as a “proud moment” for Nigeria, saying it demonstrates that government agencies can match startup-level speed and efficiency when collaboration works.
“This has been one of the smoothest projects we’ve done. It’s proof that things can truly work in Nigeria,” he said.
Sendbox co-founder, Olusegun Afolahan, and Messenger co-founder, Essien Etuk, also praised NIPOST’s openness to innovation, describing the partnership as a breakthrough for Nigeria’s logistics and digital commerce ecosystem.
Established in 1987, NIPOST has faced years of criticism for inefficiency and bureaucracy. However, under its current management, the agency has embarked on reforms to reposition itself as a key player in Nigeria’s digital economy.
The launch of the Automated Payment Solution forms part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Digital Economy Agenda, which seeks to modernise public services, promote transparency, and strengthen digital public infrastructure through public-private partnerships.