 has firmly denied allegations suggesting that its courier services have been used to transport hard drugs){kind=link}
The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has firmly denied allegations suggesting that its courier services have been used to transport hard drugs since the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The denial follows a controversial publication by a local news outlet, Peoples Gazette, which claimed that courier services in Nigeria, including those under NIPOST’s regulation, have been involved in narcotics trafficking since the new administration assumed office.
In a statement released on Sunday and signed by its Director of Corporate Communications, Franklin Alao, NIPOST expressed strong disapproval of what it described as a misleading headline and baseless accusation.
The statement emphasized that NIPOST had never made such claims, nor did it link any illegal activity to the Tinubu-led administration.
“The attention of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has been drawn to a recent publication by Peoples Gazette titled, ‘Nigerian courier services easily transporting hard drugs since Tinubu became president – NIPOST.’
NIPOST expresses deep disappointment at this misleading headline, which falsely attributes these allegations to our agency and creates the false impression that we confirmed or endorsed such claims. This is categorically FALSE,” the statement read.
NIPOST clarified that it remains committed to sanitizing Nigeria’s courier and logistics sector and has never condoned or supported the use of postal or courier channels for drug trafficking or any other form of criminal activity.
It reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on the abuse of postal infrastructure, emphasizing that the agency is taking concrete steps to regulate the industry with integrity and transparency.
As the regulatory body overseeing Nigeria’s courier and logistics industry, NIPOST stated that it is actively leading enforcement and compliance efforts to clean up the sector.
Among its ongoing initiatives are the revalidation of courier operator licenses, enforcement of mandatory Know-Your-Customer (KYC) policies, and comprehensive compliance audits on all licensed operators.
In addition to internal regulatory measures, NIPOST highlighted its active collaboration with relevant national security and enforcement agencies.
These include the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other strategic institutions working together to prevent and investigate the illicit use of courier services.
Furthermore, the agency has launched several key initiatives to bolster its regulatory effectiveness. One such effort is the Engagement with Transport and Courier Stakeholders, through which NIPOST partners with private courier associations, transport unions, and other logistics operators to promote industry-wide vigilance, awareness, and prompt reporting of suspicious consignments.
Another major initiative is the deployment of Digital Infrastructure, including a Digital Postcode and Parcel Identification System.
According to NIPOST, this system will enable full traceability of parcels from sender to receiver, improve screening procedures, and prevent the anonymity that criminals often exploit when transporting contraband.
NIPOST stressed that any licensed courier operator found to be involved in illegal activities will face severe consequences, including immediate regulatory sanctions such as license suspension or revocation, and referral to law enforcement agencies for criminal prosecution.
The agency also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and ensure they engage only licensed courier operators. Citizens were urged to report any suspicious packages or activities to NIPOST or security agencies.
It also appealed to the media and civil society to exercise responsibility and accuracy in their reporting, especially on issues that have implications for national security.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to restoring the integrity of the Nigerian postal and logistics system. Let it be clear: we will not tolerate any abuse of the system, and we are working tirelessly to uphold public trust through regulation, enforcement, and stakeholder collaboration,” the statement concluded.