The Courier Regulatory Department (CRD), the regulatory arm of the Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) has warned illegal operators in the industry to commence processes for the regularization of their operations or face prosecution.

CRD set out the warning on Thursday while announcing the clamp down on six companies for alleged non-regularization of their courier operations.

Speaking during a press conference to announce the decision, Ishaya Musa Diwa, senior assistant postmaster general, and head of Courier Regulatory Department, said that, in the last few months, they realized an increase in the activities of illegal courier companies in the country.

According to him, the industry is inundated with illegal operators and must. Apart from it being an economic sabotage, he said the activities of the operators create bad image for the country as courier business is a worldwide industry.

“It is a kind of relay business connecting the world. There are set standards for the operations of courier companies and Nigeria is not exempted from its whims and caprices. To us, the courier industry in Nigeria will adopt the best practice that is obtainable worldwide.

“In our commitment to achieve that, we are ready to clamp down on any courier company operating illegally. Illegal operations are similar to having quacks manning the hospitals/health institutions. They tend to bastardize every good intentions of the government.

“Illegal operators are usually ‘unserious’ people; they dump people’s emails, engage in undercutting and under-pricing which is not good for the economy. So, we are set to bring all that to an end; ensure the industry is organized in the manner it should and based on the Federal Government’s rules and regulations”, he said.

Diwa warned that any operator found running contrary to those rules and regulations will have themselves to blame, as the full wrath of the law will be visited on such courier company.

“We have started work and Lagos is not the only operations venue. We conduct surveillance across the country. Recently, we carried out operations in Port Harcourt, Benin City, Benue and will continue to visit other cities to ensure the industry is sanitized”.

The CRD Boss said that couple of days ago they had the course to seal companies operating illegally, namely: Mitchelle Mercantile Limited; Triple J. Chinese Restaurant; Chizzy Nigeria Limted; Essay Holdings Limited; Errandz4You and Finder King, located in Yaba, Ojota, Isheri, Ikeja and Victoria Island areas of Lagos, respectively.

He said that in addition to the clampdown, activities of the Department covers monitoring, evaluating and assessing the regularized operators in compliance with the rules and regulations guiding the industry. When found wanting and have been granted the maximum period to address the issues involved, if they fail, we de-license then.

In that line ten operators had their operating licenses revoked and cease to operate anywhere in the country until they undergo further clearances by the Department.

They are, Impex Worldwide; Leyman Express; City Errands; ODA Courier; Royalways Express; Seba Watch Limited; Skyland Express; Spread Forth Limited; Trans Citis Logistics Limited abd Trans Continental Express.

He said they defaulted by not renewing their operating licenses in the last four years. “For that reason, their licenses are hereby revoked. They are not allowed operate any courier business henceforth. We are sure this will send correct signals to those who are not doing the right thing.  It is a continuous process as our surveillance team will always go out monitoring the activities of those who are not supposed to be in the business. The essence is to have sanity in the courier business”.

The CRD Boss also spoke on sundry issues in the courier industry in Nigeria:

Creating Awareness on Regularization of Courier Operations

“It is not as if they are not aware, but sheer ignorance and negligence. Before one goes into any business, you have to have the feasibility plans; what the industry entails. Incidentally, this is a very big industry and I don’t think there is anybody willing to enter into this business that does not know there is a regulatory body in charge.

“Apart from that, each year, we send out list of qualified operators to stakeholders in the industry like the registrars. However, I will agree with you that sensitization needs to be intensified. That is why we decided to intensify efforts towards that area; on the activities of the body. This is to ensure that nobody will claim ignorance of the existence of this. It is going to be a periodic arrangement.

Partnership With Sister Government Agencies Like the Corporate Affairs Commission

“The CAC you just mentioned, I don’t believe they are on air advertising themselves, but people who want to go into business are aware of what to do. That’s how CRD is. We are on the same page, as one of the conditions for obtaining Courier License in Nigeria is that you must have CAC certificate. So, anybody that claims ignorance of the fact CRD is there to regulate the industry is just seeking for ways to manipulate the system and we will not allow that”. 

Speaking on the fate of the sealed companies, he said that CRD’s operations are guided by the Act establishing NIPOST when the law shall be followed.

“They have contravened the Act by operating illegally. In fact, the arrest was not conducted in collaboration with security agencies, so, formal investigation and prosecution will follow; if found guilty, they will face the law.  However, our main objective is to try as much as possible to reduce the number of illegality in the industry. So, they have to pay fine for operating illegally.

“Other option is that they will be given the chance to right their wrongs- by formally applying for operating license. The condition is that presently they will remain grounded while the law takes it course.

Database Of Courier Operators And Inundating Operators On Due Date For Renewal Of Licenses

“We have the database and from time to time do intimate the operators on happenings in the industry. One of the conditions stipulated in NIPOST Act is that three months before the expiration of a license we ought to send you a reminder. We perform this duty twice every year- January and June. Through that means, everybody is abreast at all times. We have the list of regularized operators which we send to stakeholders. Once we revoke licenses, we also update the database.

CRD’s Renewed Goal 
“Our vision is not different from that of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration’s change mantra. The change here implies that things must be done the right way. We are not just after the revenue accruable from the licensing and renewal, rather we are concerned about the country and the industry.

“Most of the problems we have emanate from the illegal operators who have nothing to lose; they are not registered and can cut corners. Dumping of mails, most times, are perpetuated by these ones. When you are addresses are with us, you will think twice before you do anything contrary to the provisions of the license you have. We want to sanitize this sector, enhance its credibility, professionalism and adherently boost the economy.

Impact Of Previous Clamp Down Exercises

“The essence of regulating is actually not to punish or send people out of business. We are more concerned about transparency in the industry. Our desire is not always to prosecute and jail people or deny them their source of livelihood. So, in the recent past, there were few prosecutions; majority of them were put in the right track.

“Experience has been that once they are apprehended, they claim ignorance. But they have always been remorseful, going to the extent of applying for regularization of their operations. With today’s exercise within two weeks most others will rush to obtain license. Even those apprehended would want to regularize. However, it is not an automatic thing; you must meet up with the standard. We must visit the location; make sure they comply with the standard. If they fail to meet up, they can merge to boost their chances of obtaining license. Therefore, we are now more committed to being in the field to reduce the activities of the illegal operators to the barest minimum.

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