The award facilitated by the Bureau for Public Enterprise (BPE), have angered further some courier operators who alleged, it placed The Netherlands Post in undue position over others who may be interested in buying over NIPOST, when its eventually privatised.
According to the allegations, The Netherlands Post is interested in buying NIPOST and thus contrary to best practises to have them as consultants to the entity they anticipated to buy over in the near future.
Also, it was alleged that by the award, tendencies are that The Netherlands Post would play down on the assets of the company in order to probably have it sold at unattractive price, like what another Netherlands firm, Pentascope, did sequel to the privatisation of the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL).
One of the key courier operators in the country and chief executive of Tradeways Express, Mr. Larry Chinekezi, who spoke on the subject, called for all-inclusive stakeholders meeting to cushion the effect of any misgivings.
Speaking at the first-ever African Technology Congress (AfriTECC-07) in Lagos at the weekend, Mr. Chinekezi, described as unfortunate that BPE is joining forces with The Netherlands Post to deprive Nigerians what really belonged to them, especially as it affects courier operations.
According to him, an enlarged stakeholders meeting, would afford courier operators in the country to harmonise their views on the post and courier industry specifically with regard to the proposed privatisation of NIPOST.
Although he also pointed out the need to reform the nation’s postal sector by evolving an independent regulatory commission, Chinekezi said that this would enhance the rational development of the sector.
In addition, he said, independent regulation of the postal sector is needed to ensure viable competition, which must start with the alignment of the legal and regulatory framework to the actual level of sector.
“This would correct market failures and protect both consumers and investors interests,” he declared.
He stressed that the emergence of independent commission would translate to safeguarding of consumers interests and protecting their rights with respect to cost, supply and quality of services.
Mr. Chinekezi further said that by safeguarding the conditions favourable to the financial viability of companies operating in the sector would make the sector gain more trust from the customers and peers globally.
This, he said, would not be achieved with the ‘invasion’ of The Netherlands Post as consultant to BPE on evaluation of NIPOST in preparation for its privatisation.
“They are biased and is being rumoured to have interest in NIPOST,” he said.
Also speaking, the chairman of the session and Senior Assistant Post Master General, Courier Regulatory Department (CRD), Dr. Simon Emeje blamed courier operators for whatever challenge that has bedevilled the sector, mostly on NIPOST.
He noted that it would be difficult to organise another stakeholders meeting in respect of the on-going consultation on NIPOST privatisation.
He noted that the initial meeting was poorly attended while all the stakeholders were invited to the event.
Dr. Emeje disclosed that the implementation of the consultancy awarded to The Netherlands Post would come in phases, which includes the phase on reformation of NIPOST.
“As at May this year, they have collected several views and discussed them to best practises and International Postal Union (ITU),” he said.
He emphasised that the only option left for any aggrieved courier operator is to target when the bill on NIPOST reformation would get to the National Assembly.
“I’m sure that at the National Assembly, there will be public hearing and whatever other positions would be heard,” he submitted.
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