FIRS came, Lagos Bus Service jumped, and NIPOST thought it was the best time to fly over on our heads because more Nigerians want to play an active part in the economy. The motivation is yet unknown, especially when you consider that the coronavirus pandemic is forcing more businesses to set up delivery systems. But, when you realise that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Patami, was ‘unaware’ of the situation, you begin to weep, knowing that your country is growing exponentially in lawlessness.

“Please NIPOST, our attention has been drawn to an increase of licence fee, which was not part of the regulation I earlier approved for you. Your chairman and PMG (Postmaster-General) were yesterday contacted to put the implementation on hold and send a report to our ministry by Monday. Best wishes!,” he wrote on Twitter.

Pls @NipostNgn, our attention has been drawn to an increase of licence fee, which was not part of the regulation I earlier APPROVED for you. Your Chair and PMG were YESTERDAY contacted to put the implementation on hold and send a report to our ministry by Monday. Best wishes!

— Isa Ali Pantami, PhD (@DrIsaPantami) July 25, 2020

Say the Nigerian Postal Service infamously entered their innovative mode and decided that companies that provide international courier services like DHL, UPS and FEDEX, are expected to pay ₦20 million for a new licence and ₦8 million annually while those who offer national services are expected to pay ₦10 million for licence and ₦4 million yearly for renewal. Logistics companies that operate within regions are expected to pay ₦5 million for licence and ₦2 million annually.

Once again, ‘what is the motivation?’ Are they not happy that young Nigerians ‘want to make it in this life’, want to provide viable solutions?

Fortunately, the statement caught the attention of Nigerians before it was too late, and the Minister, Isa Patami intervened.

“PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION: The Management of NIPOST felt, it was within its power to increase fees without our final approval. They stated: “the issues of fees, penalties and day to day administration are devolved in Section 6 (3) on NIPOST.” REPLY: Please stop it, respond to our message,” he wrote on Twitter after the outcry.

PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION: The Management of NIPOST felt, it was within its power to increase fees without our final approval. They stated: "the issues of fees, penalties & day to day administration are devolved in Section 6 (3) on NIPOST."
REPLY: Pls stop it, respond to our msg

— Isa Ali Pantami, PhD (@DrIsaPantami) July 25, 2020

Congratulations to Twitter, where this fight was won too. However, the new ‘informed’ fees were only suspended. And, while we have moved on as we do with other outcries, this one might come back with full force. This time, with more pages of the statement explaining why the fees have to stay.

This is why we must support the efforts of the Convener of the Lagos SME Bootcamp, Akintujoye Ayo-Bankole, who, in collaboration with the Lawmaker representing Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, Akin Alabi, has written a petition to the Nigerian Senate, under the leadership of Ahmed Lawan, to reverse the decision.

Ayo-Bankole wrote on Twitter, “we appeal that he (Isa Patami) kindly works with the NASS for a holistic and sustainable resolution to the benefit of millions of MSMEs whose businesses have been impacted by this.

“As we discussed on Saturday (July 25) at the #LagosSMEbootCamp, the issues with NIPOST and the logistics industry go beyond the pricing and govt must find ways to seek robust clean up of the industry to the benefit of the citizens relying on it for livelihood. God bless Nigeria.”

Last Fri, @NipostNgn introduced the now halted guidelines, Twitter roared, but just 6 days after, moved on. But thank God for responsive leaders like @AkinAlabi, we’ve managed to keep it on radar. We’ve also written a petition to @nassnigeria (check thread for full petition). pic.twitter.com/E3pUUuisf2

— Ayò Bánkólé (@AyoBankole) July 30, 2020

Akin Alabi hosted dozens of logistics firms to his Office, & we discussed at length on strategic options for helping them see this through. He has promised to secure a meeting between the operators & the Postmaster General & also to present their case & our petition to the House. pic.twitter.com/XvAc3g2x5P

— Ayò Bánkólé (@AyoBankole) July 30, 2020

Thanks also to @Omojuwa & @DrJoeAbah for supporting this. While we thank Hon Minister @DrIsaPantami for halting it,we appeal that he kindly works with the NASS for a holistic & sustainable resolution to the benefit of millions of MSMEs whose businesses have been impacted by this.

— Ayò Bánkólé (@AyoBankole) July 30, 2020

As we discussed on Saturday at the #LagosSMEbootCamp, the issues with NIPOST and the logistics industry go beyond the pricing and govt must find ways to seek robust clean up of the industry to the benefit of the citizens relying on it for livelihood. God bless Nigeria.

— Ayò Bánkólé (@AyoBankole) July 30, 2020

The Nigerian story is one five generations from now will wonder how we survived. But, before then, we will continue to struggle for a Nigeria with leaders who consider it’s followers before making drastic decisions.