Enugu State Government Sets December Deadline for Licensing of Courier Operators
The Enugu State government is committed to supporting legitimate logistics service providers to enhance the state’s economy. However, it has established a deadline of December 1, 2023, for these operators to regularize their operations.
This announcement came during a stakeholders’ meeting with the association of courier operators in the state, as conveyed by the State Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Emeka Ajogwu.
The Commissioner noted that a dialogue with the operators had become essential due to increasing reports of security breaches resulting from the lack of coordination and disorderly logistics operations in the state.
He expressed concerns about unorganized courier service providers who operated without registration, especially at night, without proper identification as legitimate businesses. Additionally, there were reports of some individuals exploiting the courier business for illicit activities, such as drug trafficking and illegal weapons transport.
Emphasizing the government’s dedication to security, the Commissioner stated that effective security measures were essential for achieving the governor’s vision of substantial economic growth through private sector investment.
The government’s directives included the requirement for all logistics companies in the state to obtain licenses from the Ministry of Transport. Unbranded and unnumbered motorcycles would no longer be allowed on the roads, and all company motorcycles must bear proper branding and identification numbers. Riders were instructed to wear their company’s uniform and carry valid identity cards issued by their respective companies.
Additionally, operators must maintain records of delivery pick-ups, locations, and contact details. They must also have a readily available waybill for all items in the delivery box when requested by the authorities. Dispatch riders were urged not to be on the road past 8 pm unless they were verified, certified, and authenticated by relevant authorities.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, represented by ACP. S.D West, emphasized the need for proper identification to distinguish legitimate operators from non-state actors who exploit the logistics industry’s loopholes for illegal activities.
In response to these directives, the interim chairperson of the Courier Operators Association, Bar. Adaora Okoye, affirmed the association’s commitment to complying with the state government’s requirements and acknowledged that licensing would contribute to bringing order and security to the logistics industry in the state.