The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has launched an agricultural logistics and storage initiative to reduce post-harvest losses and improve food distribution across Nigeria.
The programme, known as the NIPOST Agro-Infrastructure and Logistics Initiative (NAILI), has been designed to benefit over one million smallholder farmers and 3,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) nationwide.
The announcement was made by the Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer of NIPOST, Tola Odeyemi, during the 2025 World Post Day celebration and the unveiling of the “Face of NIPOST 2025” initiative in Abuja.
Odeyemi explained that the NAILI programme would utilise NIPOST’s extensive infrastructure across all 774 local government areas to establish modular storage hubs, digital tracking tools, and corridor-based fleet operations.
These facilities will enable the efficient movement of produce from farms to storage centres, significantly reducing waste and improving supply chain efficiency.
She stated that post-harvest losses currently account for 40 percent of agricultural produce in Nigeria, a challenge the new programme seeks to address.
According to Odeyemi, the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to achieve food security and create a sustainable framework for agricultural development.
She emphasised that NIPOST is being repositioned to deliver efficient logistics and postal services that contribute to national growth.
“We are here to connect people, businesses, and communities through a robust, integrated network of postal and logistics services,” Odeyemi said.
“Our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of location, has access to reliable postal services and a channel to access government programmes.”
The NIPOST boss further highlighted the agency’s National Addressing System, developed in collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPC) and technical partners.
The project will replace the old numeric postcode system with a digital alphanumeric code, improving delivery accuracy, urban planning, and accessibility to government and emergency services.
Odeyemi noted that the digital postcode system will form the technological backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy and enhance geo-identification for rural and urban areas alike.
In partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), NIPOST has also introduced a 15 percent logistics discount for registered MSMEs, benefitting about 20,000 entrepreneurs nationwide.
The collaboration is to strengthen local value chains and contribute to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Source: The Nation Online
Image Credit: NIPOST
