By Na’ankwat Dariem
The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), has launched a debit card called NIPOST Debit Card to boost financial inclusion in the country.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami, who disclosed this during the Launch in Abuja, said the NIPOST debit card is an alternative to the Automated Teller Machine (ATM), adding that it would increase financial inclusion in the country as it would cover rural areas that are underserved or not served at all.
“We are not agitating it must replace our ATM cards but rather it is another alternative of banking or financial transaction for paying bills.
“NIPOST exists in so many places where others banks don’t exist in Nigeria. So we want to leverage on that and ensure that we use Nigerian Communications Satellite, which will be able to provide internet connectivity all over the country. In places where there is no ATM (NIPOST Debit Card), will be an alternative.
“Most importantly, this product will be used on and offline. So it is complementing and also providing other alternatives. Particularly to people who are in unserved and underserved areas,” he added.
Pantami affirmed that the launch of the debit card is one of the processes of digitalising the NIPOST.
“We are in the process of NIPOST transformation and transportation will not be possible without digitalisation. What we are doing today is to make sure, we integrate NIPOST to be digitalised. So that they can deliver their services by implementing their own mandate by law”, he assured.
In her remarks, the Chairman Governoring Board of NIPOST, Mrs. Mainuna Yaya-Abubakar, maintained that Nigeria stands a better chance of achieving a more inclusive form of development when citizens make it a habit of utilizing postal outlets for social, financial and digital transactions.
” Even as e-commerce grows, the post has become a delivery platform of choice for online goods orders. Importantly, inspite of the daunting odds against us, NIPOST is striving hard to surpass even what we consider to be record accomplishments,” she noted.
The Post Master General of the Federation, Adebayo Adewusi, while speaking, appealed to Nigerians to make use of the NIPOST electronic debit card for transactions.
“I wish to remind us all of the need to ensure maximum utilization of the services and the values that the new NIPOST electronic card has brought to our doorsteps and I recommend it for both private and business. I equally recommend that all take advantage of the unique offerings by our e-Commerce and logistics venture for local and globe needs, he stressed.
Adewusi also spoke on the importance of the launch of the the 27 trucks for logistics and delivery.
“This event is quite significant to us in NIPOST, as it marks another milestone in our efforts to reposition the Post in Nigeria in line with the current digital transformation initiatives of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.
“The launching of the 27 new trucks today for conveyance of logistics and e-commerce products, according to the Minister, is aimed at strengthening that vision and once again reinforcing the hopes of Nigerians in the capacity of the nation’s Postal service to live up to its responsibilities amidst the emerging threats of the digital era,” he added.
Our Correspondent reports that products launched were NIPOST electronics debit card, Agency banking platform, and trucks for e-commerce courier and cargos services.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.