NIPOST Denies Transporting Hard Drugs

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) refuted the allegations that its courier services have been transporting hard drugs since President Bola Tinubu assumed office.

In a statement signed and issued on Sunday by NIPOST’s Director of Corporate Communications, Franklin Alao, the agency expressed disappointment at the misleading headline by one of Nigeria’s news platforms, which it said falsely accused NIPOST of illegal operations.

Part of the statement read: “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 the misleading headline, which falsely attributes these allegations to NIPOST and creates the unfortunate impression that the agency either confirmed or endorsed such a position. This is categorically FALSE. At no point has NIPOST made such a statement or associated these activities with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The agency maintained that while it respects the role of the media in promoting accountability, the dissemination of sensational and inaccurate information, particularly in matters of national security, risks eroding public trust and undermining the collaborative work being done to sanitize the courier and logistics sector.

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The statement added that NIPOST strongly condemns the use of courier and logistics channels for the trafficking of narcotics or any other illegal activity.

“We reaffirm our zero-tolerance policy toward such abuse of postal infrastructure and our ongoing commitment to regulating the industry with transparency, integrity, and accountability,” it added.

It pointed out that as the regulator of Nigeria’s courier industry, NIPOST was leading a coordinated effort to ensure compliance, surveillance, and enforcement across the sector.

It highlighted ongoing and planned interventions to include; Stricter Licensing and Compliance Audits, stressing that the agency is currently revalidating courier operator licenses, enforcing mandatory Know-Your-Customer (KYC) protocols, and conducting compliance audits across licensed operators.

It said further that NIPOST is working in close collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Customs Service, and relevant security institutions to investigate and deter illicit use of logistics channels.

NIPOST also presented another initiatives such as Engagement with Transport and Courier Stakeholders, under which the agency is actively partnering with transport unions, private courier associations, and key logistics stakeholders to improve sector-wide awareness, surveillance, and reporting of suspicious consignments.

The agency has also unveiled Digital Infrastructure Deployment under which it will deploy a Digital Postcode and Parcel Identification System that will ensure full traceability from sender to recipient, enhance screening capabilities, and deter the anonymity often exploited in illicit parcel transport.

The agency reiterated its commitment to Nigerian Postal Service aimed at restoring the integrity of Nigeria’s courier and logistics industry.

“Any operator found to be involved in criminal activity will face immediate regulatory sanctions, including license suspension or revocation, and be reported to appropriate authorities for prosecution.

“We call on the public to use only licensed courier services and report suspicious activity to NIPOST or law enforcement agencies. We also urge the media and civil society to work with us in addressing these challenges constructively, with accuracy and shared responsibility,” the statement added.