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The Courier Industry and Regulation

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Recent development on government agencies and departments regulating their counterparts across different sectors of the economy heightened recently as Nigerian International Air Couriers Association (NIACA) and Association of Nigeria Courier Operators (ANCO) at a joint press conference appealed to Federal Government and relevance authorities to intervene by revoking the act mandating NIPOST to act as courier and postal industry regulator.

Investigation revealed that outdoor advertising practitioners in Lagos once alleged that Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LASAA), which ought to be an industry regulator is being managed by a competitor, Mr. Makanjuola Alabi, chief executive officer of LASAA, who is touted to be the owner of Altmedia, one of the frontline outdoor contractors in Lagos State.

The same controversy however, has resurfaced in courier and logistics industry, where operators under the aegis of Niaca and Anco, is advocating a paradigm shift from the status quo that gives Nipost the authority to regulate and sanction competition.

At the meeting attended by the industry players, the purpose for the meeting was to update the media on developments relating to a bill for an act to provide for the Operation and Development of Postal Service, the establishment of the Nigerian Postal Commission and Other Related Matters in the past year.

Some of the developments, according to Toyin Olufade, Anco president include the act that mandates NIPOST to regulate the industry, multiple taxation on the players particularly private sector players, funding of the commission, licensing regime, composition of the governing board, distinction between courier service and postal service and the contribution of Universal Postal Service fund amongst others.

Speaking on some of the issues seriously affecting the industry, Dipo Akinyele, Chairman of Niaca said, ‘while we await the outcome of the deliberations of the Honourable House of Representative Committee on Communications, we would like to seize this opportunity to draw the attention of the general public to the impact of certain aspects of the Bill on the courier express industry.

Like what is obtainable in other industries such as advertising, telecommunications, research and oil and gas where government set up an independent agency to regulate a specify industry, Niaca and Anco welcome the establishment of an independent regulatory body to be known as the Nigerian Postal Commission (NPC) which would take the powers of a regulator from Nipost with the group represented in the governing board.

Akinyele said "The services offered by Courier Express companies differ from those of postal operators, consequently different rules should apply to their operations. Our focus is entirely on time sensitive and time definite services."

The issue of licensing regime was equally emphasised. The group frowned at the current licensees operating under the Nipost Act. Akinyele stated that "Licensees hitherto operating under the Nipost Act are required to apply for new licenses. This portends a grave commercial risk to existing license holders and our recommendation is that where a license is valid, legal and still subsisting; it should be persevered until the expiration of the license and should be eligible for renewal. Whilst the Bill recognizes the benefit of multiple courier express operators there is no provision for the existence of multiple postal operators" he emphasized.

Discordant voices have trailed the activities of Nipost which regulates while offering same services as industry operators.

Concern was also raised over the UPS fund under section 82 (2) b, which contribution would be made by licensee based on the annual turnover paid by licensees, to be determined by the NPC.

 
The group said, "both Niaca and Anco are not opposed to the establishment of the UPS fund, however the contributory request made on the licensees would further increase the financial burden of licensees and make the operating terrain more difficult for existing operators and new entrants."

They also raised concern over some adverse marketing effect has the result of the current rules governing the business and emphasis that relevance authorities particularly national assembles intervene by enacting laws that would throw up a conducive and friendly business environment that would be mutually beneficial to the operator/consumers and government.

However, it looks like the days of Nipost strategic positioning of a player and a regulator is fast winding up going by the horse-trading embarked upon by the concern industry groups.


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Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

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E-Business

Kaspersky Launches OT Calculator to Align Cybersecurity Investments with Business Goals

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Kaspersky’s new online tool has been specially developed for industrial organisations to assess the potential costs associated with insufficient operational technology (OT) security.

By offering detailed financial forecasts, the calculator empowers senior management to make well-informed decisions regarding security investments.

Industrial organisations increasingly depend on interconnected systems, elevating cybersecurity to a critical factor in business resilience and profitability.

According to VDC Research, over 60% of industrial companies last year reported that cybersecurity breaches had led to significant costs. Despite this, a persistent disconnect remains between security teams and executive leadership as security professionals focus on minimising risk, while executives must balance cybersecurity concerns with broader business objectives. This misalignment often results in competing priorities and underfunded security initiatives.

To bridge this gap, Kaspersky has launched the OT Cybersecurity Savings Calculator, an innovative online tool designed specifically for industrial organisations to assess the potential costs of inadequate operational technology (OT) security¹.

The primary aim of this tool is to translate cyber risks into tangible financial metrics and support strategic discussions around priorities and budget allocation. By entering details such as their sector, sub-sector, region, company size, breach history, and existing cybersecurity measures, organisations can estimate their potential cost savings and receive customised, actionable recommendations.

The calculator benchmarks performance against industry peers and highlights the company’s position within the current threat landscape.

“We believe this calculator is a powerful resource for transforming complex cyber risk data into straightforward financial insights. It enables OT leaders, security professionals, and executive teams to develop clear, data-driven business cases and recognise the value of cybersecurity investments. With actionable guidance, it promotes a comprehensive approach to resource management and strengthens overall organisational resilience,” comments Andrey Strelkov, Head of Industrial Cybersecurity Product line at Kaspersky.


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Stanley Amandi, Nollywood Actor Arrested over Alleged Coup Plot against Tinubu

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Stanley Amandi, veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker, has been arrested by the Nigerian military over his alleged role in a foiled coup plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, according to an exclusive report by Premium Times.

Stanley Amandi, Nollywood Actor Arrested over Alleged Coup Plot against Tinubu

Stanley Amandi, Nollywood Actor

The filmmaker, also a former chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Enugu State chapter, was reportedly detained in September 2025 alongside several military officers accused of planning a violent overthrow, including potential assassinations of top officials, according to the newspaper’s sources.

Reports indicated that the coup plotters planned to wholesale assassination of top government officials including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, among others.

On Monday, the Defence Headquarters confirmed the plan to illegally oust the Tinubu administration, saying the indicted officers will be arraigned before military judicial panels.

In its statement, the Defence Headquarters said the investigation has been completed and forwarded to “appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”

According to the military, the investigation was “comprehensive” and conducted in line with established procedures, examining “all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.”

The military disclosed that the findings identified “a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” describing such conduct as “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

Mr Amandi has featured in many Nollywood movies and is known for his work as an actor, production manager and director.

His notable works include “The Album,” where he served as director; “Tiger King,” where he also served as director and produced in 2008; “Cornerstone,” produced in 2019; and “Once Upon a Dream,” in which he appeared as an actor in 2024.

Mr Amandi’s last Instagram post was on 19 September 2025, shortly before his arrest.


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E-Financial

FBNQuest Merchant Bank Rebrands as Quest Merchant Bank

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FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited has completed a change of name and will now operate as Quest Merchant Bank Limited, following the receipt of all required corporate and regulatory approvals.

The name change does not affect the Bank’s legal or going-concern status, management, or the nature of its business. Quest Merchant Bank Limited remains a duly licensed merchant bank, regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and continues to deliver its full suite of merchant banking, advisory, and capital markets services to clients.

Commenting on the development, the Ag. Managing Director/CEO, Afolabi Olorode, stated: “This name change represents a pivotal milestone in the rich history of the Bank and a deliberate strategic repositioning that reflects our resilience, strong track record, and long-term growth ambitions. While our name has evolved, our commitment to our clients, stakeholders, and regulators remains unwavering.”

As part of the transition, the Bank is updating its branding, communications, and digital platforms to reflect the new name. During this period, some legacy references may remain visible across select touchpoints as updates are progressively completed.

All existing contracts, client relationships, and obligations of the Bank remain valid, binding, and fully enforceable following the name change.


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