The Federal Government on Thursday unveiled the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) Automated Payment Solution for inbound international delivery items — a landmark innovation aimed at simplifying customs payments and improving transparency for businesses and citizens involved in cross-border trade.
The event, held in Abuja, marked a major step in NIPOST’s digital transformation drive under the supervision of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Rafiu Adeladan, the minister said the collaboration between NIPOST and private-sector partners — Paystack, Sendbox, and Messenger — demonstrates how innovation and partnership can redefine public service delivery in Nigeria.
“This collaboration between NIPOST and its private-sector partners shows what happens when government institutions stop working in isolation and start working in partnership with innovators, with technology, and with citizens at the centre of our thinking,” Tijani said.
He emphasised that inefficient customs processes have long frustrated Nigerians, stifled e-commerce, and hindered small businesses from competing globally. The new platform, he said, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s digital economy priorities, focusing on digital public infrastructure and citizen-centred innovation.
Under the new system, Paystack provides a secure payment gateway for customs duties, Sendbox enables real-time parcel tracking, while Messenger handles last-mile logistics.
“Technology is not just about efficiency, it’s about dignity. When we make life simple for citizens, we restore their faith in government,” Tijani added.
In her address, Postmaster General of the Federation, Ms Tola Odeyemi, hailed the initiative as “a new chapter in NIPOST’s history,” combining legacy public service with fintech and modern logistics.
“Customers can now receive real-time notifications once customs duties are assessed, make secure online payments, and have their parcels delivered directly to their homes or offices,” she said.
Odeyemi explained that the platform integrates Paystack for payments, Sendbox for tracking, and Messenger and EMS for delivery, forming a transparent, end-to-end logistics ecosystem.
A major innovation is real-time government revenue remittance, replacing the old monthly remittance cycle. The Postmaster General said this ensures immediate tracking of customs and postal revenue while reducing leakages.
The system is expected to cut delivery times by up to five days, as customers now receive electronic payment notifications via SMS, email, or WhatsApp, even before their parcels arrive.
NIPOST officials noted that the agency will serve as a clearance agent, handling customs and logistics processing seamlessly while charging a minimal handling fee.
During the launch, Paystack CEO Shola Akinlade described the project as proof that “things can truly work in Nigeria.”
“This has been one of the smoothest and most exciting projects we’ve done. The NIPOST team has shown incredible speed and focus,” Akinlade said.
Sendbox Co-founder, Olusegun Afolahan, and Messenger Co-founder, Essien Etuk, also praised the initiative for bringing long-overdue efficiency to the logistics chain and improving customer experience.
Established in 1987, NIPOST has faced years of criticism over inefficiency and bureaucracy. However, under its new management, the agency is pushing aggressive reforms to align with the Renewed Hope Digital Economy Agenda, which prioritises digital public infrastructure, transparency, and innovation-driven governance.
“This is not just about convenience,” Odeyemi concluded. “It’s about trust, accountability, and efficiency — the building blocks of a modern digital nation.”
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