The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has unveiled major reforms aimed at strengthening the small business ecosystem, announcing a 15 per cent logistics discount for over 20,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) registered with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

Postmaster-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of NIPOST, Tola Odeyemi, made this known yesterday in Abuja during the 2025 World Post Day celebration, held under the theme, ‘Post for People: Local Service, Global Reach’.

Odeyemi said the initiative is part of NIPOST’s renewed drive to empower small businesses, enhance trade logistics, and support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda for inclusive economic growth.

“MSMEs are the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing over 48 percent of our GDP. By providing a 15 per cent logistics discount through our partnership with SMEDAN, we are helping over 20,000 MSMEs reduce operating costs, access wider markets, and compete more effectively in the digital economy,” she said.

The PMG also announced the launch of the NIPOST Digital Marketplace, an e-commerce platform designed to support Nigerian entrepreneurs by connecting them to customers locally and internationally. Integrated with NIPOST’s logistics and secure payment systems, the platform offers seamless online sales, order management, and last-mile delivery.

“Our goal is to make it easier for small businesses and digital merchants to sell online and ship nationwide. With this platform, NIPOST is bridging the gap between local producers and global consumers,” Odeyemi explained.

Odeyemi also highlighted one of NIPOST’s boldest innovations, the NIPOST Agro-Infrastructure and Logistics Initiative (NAILI), a flagship project designed to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

According to her, NAILI aimed to cut post-harvest losses, currently estimated at up to 40 percent of agricultural output, while improving traceability and structured market access for smallholder farmers and agro-MSMEs.

“Through NAILI, NIPOST is establishing modular storage hubs, digital traceability tools, and fleet operations across all 774 local government areas. The programme will benefit more than one million smallholder farmers and 3,000 agro-MSMEs, in line with the Federal Government’s priorities on food security and trade facilitation,” she said.

Coinciding with SERVICOM Week, Odeyemi reaffirmed NIPOST’s dedication to quality service, transparency, and customer care, noting that every interaction with the public must reflect the agency’s values of integrity, innovation, and excellence.