The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has denied any involvement in the transportation of illicit drugs across the country.
NIPOST was responding to an online publication that claimed it had been used to sell drugs since Bola Tinubu became president of the country.
The service, in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by Franklin Alao, NIPOST Director of Corporate Communications, declared that the allegation was completely false.
NIPOST stated that it collaborates with security agencies and logistics stakeholders, such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigerian Customs Service, to prevent unlawful usage of logistics channels.
“Any operator found to be involved in criminal activity will face immediate regulatory sanctions.
“This includes licence suspension or revocation and reporting the operator to appropriate authorities for prosecution,” he said.
Alao stated that the service’s sophisticated digital infrastructure, which included the Digital Postcode and Parcel Identification System, enabled parcel traceability from sender to receiver.
According to him, the codes improve screening capabilities and dissuade ‘anonymous’ individuals, who are frequently exploited in unlawful parcel transport.
He advised the public to disregard the publication and only use licensed courier service providers, as well as to report any suspicious activity to NIPOST or law enforcement organisations.
He urged the media and civil society organisations (CSOs) to play an effective role in moulding public opinion and pushing positive change.
