• Says FIRS hijacked Process
Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Mallam Isa Ali Pantami at the weekend broke silence on the ongoing feud between the Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) over Stamp Duty collection. The two government agencies had in recent times engaged each other in media war over whose responsibility it is to collect Stamp Duty charge for the government.
Speaking at the launch of compendium of Nigeria’s postage stamps (1914-2014) at the weekend in Abuja, Pantami said he got official endorsement from the Minister of Finance that NIPOST should collect stamps duties and they started the process but along the line, FIRS hijacked it before final decision was taken and the name of NIPOST was substituted with another.
The minister observed that he had personally written a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari over five times and also engaged him three times physically on the issue, adding that he had raised the issue in Federal Executive Chamber at least four times and had also written a letter to minister of finance at least three times.
Pantami explained he gave an approval to unbundle NIPOST and the establishment of three firms under it, namely NIPOST Transport and Logistics Company, NIPOST Property Company and NIPOST Micro-finance Bank
According to him, “so far, two of these companies have started and we are in touch with the President on how to get the takeoff grant to start their activities.”
Also speaking, Postmaster General of the Federation, Dr. Ismail Adewusi, said by virtue of its philatelic policy, NIPOST, over the years, has projected Nigeria’s image and identity at national, regional and international levels, which cover such areas as the history, economy, politics, international relations, people’s diversities and environmental issues, among others.
He noted that the compendium would serve as a legacy project, promoting Nigerian image home and abroad, and provide a medium for education and research and promote philatelic education in the country.
“The compendium tells the true story of Nigeria from 100 years. It is educative, entertaining and informative,” he said.
Adewusi, who expressed commitment to the full turn around of the NIPOST said his administration is committed to full implementation of the government reform plan for a reformed NIPOST.
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