“Postal Pitfalls: Iyawe Slams NIPOST’s ₦270,000 Annual Dispatch Rider Fee”

Biker in motion.

Abuja, Nigeria – A heated debate has erupted in the House of Representatives as Esosa Iyawe, lawmaker representing Oredo Federal Constituency, strongly condemned the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) over its annual ₦270,000 registration charge imposed on dispatch riders. Iyawe, elected under the Labour Party, described the fees as exploitative and economically damaging, especially for young entrepreneurs and small businesses relying on logistics operations.

The lawmaker raised the alarm in a public statement issued Saturday, where he revealed that defaulters are subjected to an even more punitive charge of ₦320,000 per motorcycle—figures that he claims lack legal backing and transparency.

Iyawe criticized the steep NIPOST charges, calling them unjust and a direct threat to livelihoods in a nation already grappling with economic hardship. In his words, “These fees are not only excessive but also threaten the livelihoods of many young people and small business owners who depend on logistics services to survive.”

The petition, which Iyawe submitted to the House on behalf of the Traders Welfare Union in Edo State, seeks the establishment of a special committee to investigate NIPOST’s registration policy and determine its legal and economic justification. He emphasized that many within the logistics sector view the policy as arbitrary and inconsistent with Nigeria’s development goals.

“The policy is viewed by many as exploitative, lacking transparency, and without proper legal foundation,” Iyawe asserted.

From Postal Charges to Legislative Action

The dispatch and delivery business, especially in urban and semi-urban areas, has surged over recent years due to increased reliance on e-commerce, courier services, and gig-based logistics. However, the new fee structure introduced by NIPOST is now being seen as a critical barrier to entry and sustainability in the sector.

In his appeal to the National Assembly, Iyawe urged his fellow lawmakers to act decisively and ensure that federal institutions do not create undue burdens for citizens striving to make ends meet.

“I urged the House to intervene swiftly by reviewing this policy, engaging with key stakeholders, and putting in place a more just and supportive regulatory framework for the logistics industry in Edo State,” he said.

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At the core of Iyawe’s argument lies a broader concern: the need for governance that fosters growth and innovation, not suppresses it. According to him, dispatch riders represent a critical segment of Nigeria’s informal economy—a sector that provides jobs, stimulates local commerce, and supports digital entrepreneurship.

“Our people deserve policies that support growth, not ones that stifle innovation and enterprise,” he wrote on his official 𝕏 handle, formerly known as Twitter.

Stakeholders across the logistics sector have echoed similar concerns, arguing that the charges, if enforced nationally, could cripple the courier industry, especially in states already dealing with high unemployment and inflation. Small logistics operators, in particular, may find themselves priced out of business or forced into informal, unregulated networks to avoid NIPOST penalties.

NIPOST Yet to Respond

As of the time of this report, NIPOST has not issued an official response to the petition or the criticisms leveled against its new policy. The controversy raises critical questions about the role of regulatory bodies in economic development and whether their mandates align with the current realities facing Nigerian entrepreneurs.

The House of Representatives is now under pressure to not only investigate the legality and fairness of these charges but also to re-evaluate how regulatory frameworks affect micro and small businesses.

With youth unemployment still a pressing issue and the informal economy serving as a lifeline for millions, observers say this case could set a significant precedent for how government agencies engage with grassroots industries.

For now, dispatch riders across Edo State and beyond await the outcome of the legislative review, hoping it will bring clarity and relief to a sector increasingly burdened by what many see as a predatory policy.