Operator Urges Support For Courier Industry

The Chairman, Fast Express Courier Nigeria Limited, Mr Olusegun Olukoya, on Thursday called for additional support for the courier industry to enhance  standards.

Olukoya told newsmen  in Lagos that the Federal Government should come up with policies that would advance the industry.

“Developed countries are reaping the bounty of a working courier industry, while the sector is grossly under-used in Nigeria due to lack of adequate logistics and infrastructure,” he said.

Olukoya said that there was the need for an increased usage of the Internet for purchase of goods and services to guarantee improvement in the sector.

“Increased Internet usage can only be encouraged through proper government initiatives and policies.

“This increased usage will bolster e-commerce, which will advance courier service,” he said.

Olukoya urged the government to establish policies that would encourage Internet browsing at home.

He said that such a development would encourage e-commerce.

“Not only will employment be generated with the increase of activities in the sector, traffic will reduce, time will be saved and tax revenues generated,” he said.

Olukoya said that the courier association in Nigeria would take necessary steps to elevate the industry to international standards by partnering with the government on policies and training of its members.

“The recent initiative of a National Addressing Policy should be promptly implemented because the policy will make it easier to locate individuals.

“It will also improve transportation,” he said.

Olukoya also said that the association would partner with foreign organisations to train its members on recent innovations in the industry to keep them abreast of developments.

He said that proper government intervention would enhance the welfare of stakeholders in the sector.

“The recent restriction of the motorbikes to some roads in Lagos State is a challenge to some of our members.

“We now we have to purchase motorbikes of 250cc capacity at the cost of N500, 000 or 600,000 compared to the N120, 000 that we used to spend on the bike.

“Government can assist by negotiating with banks on our behalf to grant us loans to be able to break even,” he said.