The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has firmly denied claims suggesting it accused courier companies of being involved in the transport of illegal drugs since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, July 6, 2025, NIPOST’s Director of Corporate Communications, Femi Atoyebi, described the report as entirely false and misleading. He stressed that the agency never issued any such statement or associated its position with President Tinubu’s administration.
“NIPOST has not at any point made allegations of drug trafficking involving courier companies under the present administration. The claim falsely attributed to us by Peoples Gazette is deceptive and misrepresents our stance,” Atoyebi declared.
He emphasized that the publication, titled “Nigerian courier services have been easily transporting hard drugs since Tinubu became president – NIPOST,” wrongly credited the agency with a statement it never made. NIPOST expressed deep concern over what it called irresponsible reporting, which paints the organization as either complicit or supportive of such claims.
Strengthened Efforts to Regulate Courier Sector
As the statutory body regulating courier and logistics operations in Nigeria, NIPOST said it has ramped up its fight against illegal activities infiltrating the sector.
The agency is currently collaborating with critical security and enforcement bodies including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Customs Service, to crack down on drug trafficking networks that exploit courier services.
To improve compliance, NIPOST has intensified its audit and monitoring of licensed operators, ensuring they implement Know-Your-Customer (KYC) protocols. Additionally, it has initiated stricter measures to renew courier licenses, and has vowed to sanction or deregister any service provider found violating regulations.
Digital Tracking System Introduced for Parcel Safety
In a bid to enhance parcel traceability and transparency, NIPOST announced the deployment of a new Digital Postage and Parcel Identification System. This innovation aims to monitor packages from origin to delivery, boosting confidence in the country’s logistics framework.
NIPOST warned that any operator caught engaging in criminal activities, including drug smuggling, firearms movement, or other illegal consignments, will face severe penalties, including license suspension or permanent revocation. The agency said it would not hesitate to turn such individuals over to law enforcement authorities for prosecution.
Agency Partners With Stakeholders to Monitor Logistics Chain
Apart from its engagement with government agencies, NIPOST is also working closely with private courier firms, transportation unions, and logistics stakeholders to enhance vigilance across Nigeria’s delivery ecosystem.
The agency noted that sharing intelligence and raising alerts on suspicious packages are key parts of its evolving security strategy. NIPOST also called on media organizations, advocacy groups, and citizens to join hands in preserving the integrity of the nation’s logistics space.
“We encourage responsible journalism and urge Nigerians to report suspicious deliveries and comply with updated enforcement protocols. The safety of the logistics network is a shared responsibility,” the statement added.
Background: Kaduna Enforcement Operation Uncovers Illicit Dispatch Networks
Meanwhile, the Courier and Logistics Regulatory Department (CLRD) of NIPOST has continued its crackdown on unlicensed dispatch firms and illegal courier operators across the country.
During a recent operation in Kaduna, CLRD’s General Manager, Mr. Shonde Dotun, led a team that shut down several unauthorized logistics businesses operating without valid documentation.
Dotun revealed that some of these illicit firms were linked to criminal operations, including the movement of illegal firearms, narcotics, and unregulated foreign currency. In some cases, enforcement agents uncovered heroin hidden in religious items and cocaine concealed in loaves of bread, illustrating the sophisticated techniques used by traffickers.
“These illegal operators contribute significantly to Nigeria’s security problems. We’ve already prosecuted over 500 offenders in 2024 alone,” Dotun said.
He confirmed that the Kaduna operation is part of a nationwide crackdown that started in Kano and is set to expand to other locations, including motor parks, financial hubs, stock warehouses, and airports, with full support from the Nigeria Police Force.
Conclusion: Transparency, Not Allegations
NIPOST reiterated that while it takes its oversight role seriously and remains deeply involved in efforts to sanitize the courier sector, it has never accused courier companies of trafficking drugs under President Tinubu’s leadership.
The agency called on the public to disregard the misleading report and reaffirmed its commitment to building a secure, transparent, and accountable postal system.