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Courier Operators Lose N200m to Digitization of Annual Reports -Umo

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Dr. Mike Umo is the General Manager, Bulk-Post Venture, the bulk mail handling component of the Nigerian Postal Service (Nipost). Before joining in 1987 as a postal controller11, he had a stint with the Bank of India.

Umo, in his 26 years of stewardship at Nipost has worked as district postal manager, Murtala Mohammed International Airpport, Ikeja and FESTAC Lagos, respectively; First product manager, Lagos Mainland; Area Manager in Nipost Territorial Headquarters in Edo, Enugu, Delta and Lagos State.

He was appointed general manager Bulk-Post Venture in October, 2010 to carry out reforms that would entrench seamless processes in the then traumatized system. He spoke to peter ugwu on his transformation effort

Place of Bulk-Post in The Postal Sector
The bulk-post is key to restoring courier operations in Nigeria; in that we are more or less number one point of call in the distribution chain.
For instance, we determine the tariffs that guide operators in the industry. It implies that when Courier Operators go out to negotiate business with customers, like the Capital Market Registrars, it is our tariff they use; anything in short of that they will be running at a risk.
Risk in the sense that when they bring the jobs to us, definitely we will not deviate and it is our tariff we are going to use in giving them their share-percentage.
The arrangement is that when Courier Operators get jobs from the Registrars, they will bring the job to us and the standard is that any job that passes through us we give them 40 per cent of the total benefit and we take 60 per cent. So, when they get a job and under value it, the blame will not be shifted to us.
This arrangement is not to say that we do not get jobs directly from the Registrars. What apparently determines the tariff is the weight; we weigh every job that comes in here.
We advise them not to play smart and then shoot themselves in the leg.
For instance, if two companies are pursuing a particular job and one of them tries to outsmart the other by cutting cost, they may end up not having the resources (fund) to bear the delivery costs. So, it is a sure way to ensure uniform tariff and curtail illegality.
 Meanwhile, there are still few of them that cut corners; that is by taking jobs somewhere else, but if they pass through the Venture, such customers are guaranteed of maximum service.
Except for the few jobs they deliver on door-to-door process; that are not bulky, every other job is expected to pass through us.

Why Should They Pass Through the Bulk-Post VENTURE?
The principal reason is that most of them do not have all it takes to process the jobs and deliver them to the last mile. 
We have the facilities and the spread throughout the country. That is the truth, but they will not want to hear that. For instance, you will find out that most courier operators do not have the facilities to move the mails from Lagos to other parts of the country like South-East or the Northern part of the Country.
So, when they collect the jobs we process and pay them their percentage. And I inherited the recent tariff regime, so anybody who would complain of that should know that Nigeria as at today implements the least tariff; the essence is that the industry is still evolving and we want the players to survive with more customers accepting to do business with us in the industry.

Uniform Tariff
Uniform tariff for the industry is the best because it helps to checkmate activities of the Registrars and curb excesses of courier operators and enable a level playing field for everybody. It is also a sure way to check sharp practices.
The activity of handling bulk transaction is that of Bulk Post Venture. In the past, Post Offices had the prerogative to manage all that, because of their spread. But the management of Nipost saw it as becoming a rat race sort of, that culminated into the establishment of the Bulk Post Venture in the year 2000.
So the emergence of Bulk Post has brought sanity and standardization in the courier companies’ interface with the customers. At the time we came in, we saw there was need to centralize. The process of centralization gave birth to the sharing ratio of 30:70.
After that, the Association of Nigerian Courier Operators (ANCO) started pressurizing that we need to review the ratio; in fact, they were even asking for 50:50, we said no, but when the pressure become unbearable, I craved the indulgence of the Post Master General and following series of meetings, we agreed on 40:60. They just direct the job to us; we do the bulk of activities involved.

Assessment of the Mailing Industry In Nigeria
Looking at the industry comparatively, there are various problems that we are facing. We need to tackle them before comparing operations here with what happens elsewhere in the world. In terms of facilities we are not there yet.
What is worrisome is that the mail volume is shrinking by the day. And the causes are not far-fetched.
For instance, a bank that has over one million shareholders it is expected that when the annual general meeting is coming up such bank would print the annual report to the corresponding number of shareholders.
That is not happening presently. Some banks in connivance with some Registrars come out with just half of the reports. Because of that, a lot of courier companies are chasing few jobs in the field. And more courier companies are coming up.
How does that affect the industry and the society at large? When a company is struggling to remain in business, will it employ more people? Apart from that, the industry is in absolute need of a principal regulator, because by standard, Courier operators are not supposed to be treating the kind of mails that Bulk-post handles.
They are supposed to focus on door to door delivery service, pick up service, logistics, etc. However, in the present industry anything goes. I would not say that the Courier Regulatory Department (CRD) is not apt in their operations, at the same time a Regulator with Statutory backing will do more.
It will have more logistics at its disposal and spread that reaches out to even the nooks and crannies of the country. Items below 500grams do not fall under the purview of other operators. But we have allowed them to continue so that businesses will thrive.

Innovations Implemented By Bulk-Post
Well, on the part of reform we started by centralizing the Venture. When I came in, we had eight (8) centres, but for proper monitoring and accountability we had to streamline the process. We merged the different locations and brought them down to headquarters annex at Lafiaji.
The procedure was widely lauded; most people were happy about it, but we do not expect that all would embrace it. In any sector where there is a bit of disorganization, definitely some people will benefit from it.
Our target was to attain an internationally acclaimed position in organization of the bulk mailing business.
Through the processes we were able to win-back our integrity; at a time people were going out, struggling to get job and have them delivered without competency.
On the part of the courier, most of them have seen that standardization was not for us alone, but they stand to benefit over time.

Automation of Bulk Post Operating Procedures
There had been attempts to do that, but logistics challenges could not allow us to perfect the system.
Recently, we received note from the head of ICT of Nipost that some people shall be drafted from the department to work with us in the bulk post for the purpose of perfecting our automation process.
ICT is a big plus to what we are doing, because if this place is automated it will help achieve our core values anchored on transparency and accountability.
If the transactions are automated, accountability will be 100% achievable. Automation will enable us to track movement of items in and out the post. Therefore, cases of human error or sharp practices shall be eliminated.

Challenges
Apart from the challenge of scarce resources which is common to companies in different sectors of the economy, we at Bulk Post have a peculiar challenge which is a fall out of the recent development in banks and companies producing compact discs (CDs) to replace printed copies of annual report.
That is our major challenge. A lot of them are shunning production of hardcopies. A copy of printed annual report values at N180:00; when you have 100,000 of them, you know what it translates to, monetarily. It is really affecting our revenue generation.
So, when that report is produced in CDs we get nothing more than N60 and remember most of the jobs come to us through the courier companies, invariably, we have to share whatever profit made after delivery at 40:60 ratio. As it stands now, it will be difficult for us to meet our revenue target.

Revenue Loss
Conservatively, between last year and now that companies digitalize annual reports, we have lost nothing less than N200 million.
The only way to change the trend is for the shareholders or stakeholders in those banks and companies to request that their reports be published in hardcopies. It is true that every company would like to cut costs, but in a situation whereby the reports are published in a CD, will somebody be able to sit down for two to three hours to study that? That is a key burning question. The differences between the two media-soft and hard copies are obvious. If you pick up a book to read when you are tired you mark where you stopped, go wherever you want to and come back to continue, but CD is not like that.
Secondly, you can tender hard copy report as evidence in the law court due to its creditability. Thirdly, how many of the shareholders are computer literate?
Last year only about 12 companies used CDs; and these are companies that generate volumes of reports.
This year more of them will join the trend because everybody is thinking on cutting costs, but does that add value to the shareholders is the question left unanswered.
It is left for the shareholders to complain to the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission as they are the people that are affected more.

Bulk-Post in Postal Regulator Era
The existence of the ‘Commission’ will rather help Bulk-Post fulfil its functions. We are going to complement each other
The Commission is not going to impact negatively on us. While we are awaiting the establishment of the Commission, Nipost will still continue to play double roles which ought not to be.
Then, with the advent of such a Commission, every other venture will restrict its operations to its primary responsibility. And I am sure we will do it better; there will be no divided attention any more.


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FG Plans N50m STEEM Grant to Support Student Innovation in August

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In a giant stride to support innovation, entrepreneurship and economic transformation, the Federal Government is set to unveil a N50 million grant for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences (STEEM) students in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

The project, which is referred to as the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG), is a pioneering initiative designed to empower the students towards building the next generation of scalable, job-creating ventures.

According to a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Education, Folashade Boriowo, Friday, the initiative will be formally unveiled in August by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.

Boriowo stated that the minister made the disclosure during a stakeholders’ engagement session held in Abuja in the presence of vice-chancellors, provosts, rectors, student leaders, academic staff, and development partners, and will chart a collective course for nurturing student-led innovation.

The statement noted that the grant targets full-time undergraduate students in STEMM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences), specifically those in 300 level and above.

“Each selected student-led project will be eligible to receive startup funding of up to N50 million, along with access to mentorship, incubation services and business development support.

“The initiative will be implemented in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BoI) to ensure financial transparency, impact measurement and effective project execution.

“S-VCG is not just a grant. It’s a launchpad for bold, young innovators to lead Nigeria’s industrial and technological transformation,” said Alausa.

Speaking at the session, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, described the grant as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s knowledge economy.

“We’re building a stronger, more competitive future by supporting innovation from the ground up,” she said, adding that the programme’s design was informed by months of consultation with students, faculty and institutional leaders.

Participants at the event welcomed the STEMM-Up Grant as a timely, strategic and high-impact initiative that will drive youth innovation, tackle graduate unemployment, and position Nigeria as a hub for student-led entrepreneurship in Africa.

 


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UK Businesses Look to Africa As Strategic Growth Partners

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New research by UK-based Strategy Management Partners reveals that a growing number of British businesses are identifying Africa as a key strategic growth region – drawn by structural reforms, demographic momentum, and rapid digital transformation across the continent.

The research, based on a survey of senior decision-makers from 250 large UK-based companies, finds that 50% are already active in African markets and planning to expand further.

An additional 28% are considering entry, signalling a clear uptick in long-term interest from international businesses with the resources to scale regionally.

The findings challenge outdated perceptions of Africa as a high-risk or secondary market. Instead, they highlight key drivers behind renewed commercial interest: • 61 per cent of UK leaders cited Africa’s large and growing consumer markets as a major draw. • 61 per cent pointed to the continent’s rapid pace of digital and technological adoption. • 50 per cent highlighted the potential of Africa’s young, skilled, and digitally native population.

The study also suggests that Africa is no longer viewed simply as a market for philanthropic initiatives or shortterm gain. Only 20 per cent of respondents cited philanthropic motives, while most are focused on building commercially viable, long-term operations.

Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), are also laying the groundwork for significant economic growth.

With 23 countries already implementing preferential tariffs, the framework is expected to facilitate smoother intra-regional trade, enable market scale, and support more efficient supply chains.

These structural improvements are making Africa more attractive to global firms with the ambition to operate at scale.

However, despite rising optimism, significant operational and policy challenges remain. The top four barriers to investment cited by UK business leaders were: political and country risk (68%); safety and security issues 66.4%); regulatory barriers and tariffs (60.4%); and the complexity of cross-border transactions (60%).

Addressing these issues will be crucial to unlocking Africa’s full potential for UK investment. UK companies are showing the most interest in sectors that align with Africa’s core strengths, such as natural resources, agriculture, a young and expanding population, and infrastructure development.

These areas are seen as the backbone for long-term commercial growth, offering opportunities to build local supply chains, expand digital services, scale manufacturing, and meet rising consumer demand.

However, for companies looking to invest or expand into Africa, success also depends on key enabling conditions. According to business leaders surveyed, the top factors supporting investment are: • The size of market and consumer demand (49.6%) • Reliable and consistent energy supply (48.4%) • Access to affordable, educated and capable talent (44.8%) • Efficient transportation networks, such as roads, ports, airports (38%) • A favourable macroeconomic environment: low interest rates, low inflation, stable exchange rates, and seamless cross-border transactions and repatriation of earnings(38%).

“UK businesses are increasingly seeing Africa as a strategic growth market, driven by structural reforms, digital adoption, and the momentum behind the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” says Muibat Ijaiya, Partner at Strategy Management Partners.

“But real progress will depend on practical cooperation with African governments. The AfCFTAis a pivotal step forward – what’s needed now is a deeper alignment between public policy and private investment to address trade, regulatory and infrastructure barriers, and unlock long-term, sustainable growth.”

 


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Experts Champion Sustainability at Lagos Green Economy Forum

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Lagos State’s transition to a greener economy is gaining momentum, with female leaders from top corporations taking the lead and the state government beginning to record early wins from its plastic bag policy.

At the Lagos Green Economy Forum held on July 23, senior executives from MTN Nigeria, IHS Towers, TechnoServe, and other large organisations highlighted the role of corporate innovation in advancing sustainability.

The all-female panel also emphasised the urgent need to integrate Nigeria’s thousands of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into the country’s green transition.

“We’re not just here to share strategies,” said Temilade Olabanji, Senior Manager, Sustainability and Shared Value, MTN Nigeria. “We are here to build local resilience. Our Project Zero is not only helping us cut emissions but also equipping our suppliers with the knowledge to do the same.”

MTN’s Project Zero aims for net-zero emissions by 2040, with a 50% reduction target by 2030. The company is already powering base stations and data centres with renewables, while training suppliers to understand carbon footprints and adopt circular practices. MTN has pledged that by 2026, 80% of its top suppliers will align with its sustainability goals.

Titilope Oguntuga, Director of Sustainability, IHS Towers, reinforced this approach, noting that the company’s Project Green is decarbonising its over 16,000 tower sites across Nigeria by switching to renewable energy. “Project Green is enabling all sites to run effectively with more renewable sources of energy rather than the typical fossil fuels,” she said. IHS also runs Clinic Without Walls, a free micro-health insurance scheme for underserved communities.

From the nonprofit sector, Juliet Ezeani, Senior Business Advisor of TechnoServe, explained how the organisation supports vendors through environmental impact assessments, sustainability training, and responsible procurement.“For all our projects, we look at how the project runs and especially how it affects the environment,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government provided an update on its green policy efforts, especially the plastic bag ban introduced two months ago.

“All of what we have done so far is towards making the economy of Lagos or the quality of life of the average Lagosian much better,” said Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of the Lagos Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), who represented the Honourable Commissioner, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab.

On the plastic bag ban, he added: “What that [the ban] has also done is to free up our drainage from the plastic waste. In some way, we have reduced flooding, reduced pollution, and reduced the headache and the cost of maintaining drainages and labourers.”

Dr. Ajayi emphasised that green transition is not just a compliance issue for SMEs but an economic opportunity. “It helps them drive their engines, their entire businesses in a more sustainable manner.”

As Lagos accounts for nearly 30% of Nigeria’s GDP, the increasing alignment between corporate leaders and public policy towards a greener economy is positioning the state as a model for inclusive, environmentally responsible development.


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