The Senator representing Lagos East
Senatorial District, today 5th April, 2016 at the Upper chamber
of the National Assembly led the debate on a Bill for an Act to repeal the
Nigerian Postal Service Act and to enact the Nigerian Postal Commission and
other related matters 2017, which he sponsored.
Senatorial District, today 5th April, 2016 at the Upper chamber
of the National Assembly led the debate on a Bill for an Act to repeal the
Nigerian Postal Service Act and to enact the Nigerian Postal Commission and
other related matters 2017, which he sponsored.
He stated that the Bill when passed into
law will establish the Nigerian Postal Commission whose sole purpose will be
the regulation and supervision of the postal sector, facilitate investments in
and entry into the Nigerian Market, introduce private sector participation in
the provision of postal services, promote and protect the interest of consumers
against unfair practices amongst so many other things.
law will establish the Nigerian Postal Commission whose sole purpose will be
the regulation and supervision of the postal sector, facilitate investments in
and entry into the Nigerian Market, introduce private sector participation in
the provision of postal services, promote and protect the interest of consumers
against unfair practices amongst so many other things.
Ashafa reminded his colleagues that the
legislation currently guiding the affairs of NIPOST, the Nigerian Postal
Service Act was promulgated over 20 years ago in 1992. He pointed out that “You
may all agree that the current trends in globalisation, digital advancement in
all facets of life has been on the fast lane. Thus, the need to keep up with
the changing technological trend for the benefit of the nation.”
legislation currently guiding the affairs of NIPOST, the Nigerian Postal
Service Act was promulgated over 20 years ago in 1992. He pointed out that “You
may all agree that the current trends in globalisation, digital advancement in
all facets of life has been on the fast lane. Thus, the need to keep up with
the changing technological trend for the benefit of the nation.”
The Bill will ensure that the Nigeria
Postal Service Commission has a proper and robust Legislative Framework in
order to open the Commission up to providing bespoke services in line with
international best practice.
Postal Service Commission has a proper and robust Legislative Framework in
order to open the Commission up to providing bespoke services in line with
international best practice.
While underscoring the importance of the
Bill, several distinguished senators lent their voice in support of its
passage. On his part, Senator Mallam Ali Wakili recalled that he had moved a
motion seeking for the reform of the Nigerian Postal Service sometime in 2016.
He stated that considering the vast assets base and the economic opportunities
that abound in the Sector, the time had come for legislative reform. Senators
Albert Bassey and Stella Oduah also supported the Bill stating that the time
had come to re-position NIPOST to meet contemporary international best
practices. While Senator Dino Melaye commended the intellectual sagacity” of
the sponsor of the Bill, noting that the Bill came at the right time when there
seems to be a fresh burst of reforms going on at the Nigerian Postal Service by
its new management.
Bill, several distinguished senators lent their voice in support of its
passage. On his part, Senator Mallam Ali Wakili recalled that he had moved a
motion seeking for the reform of the Nigerian Postal Service sometime in 2016.
He stated that considering the vast assets base and the economic opportunities
that abound in the Sector, the time had come for legislative reform. Senators
Albert Bassey and Stella Oduah also supported the Bill stating that the time
had come to re-position NIPOST to meet contemporary international best
practices. While Senator Dino Melaye commended the intellectual sagacity” of
the sponsor of the Bill, noting that the Bill came at the right time when there
seems to be a fresh burst of reforms going on at the Nigerian Postal Service by
its new management.
The Bill ultimately passed through the
second reading and was referred to the Senate Committee on Communications for
further deliberations.
second reading and was referred to the Senate Committee on Communications for
further deliberations.
Photo – Senator Ashafa On The Floor Of The Senate