Tola Odeyemi, Postmaster-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Postal Service, unveiled the NIPOST Agro-Logistics Initiative, NAILI, describing it as a groundbreaking intervention aimed at transforming agricultural logistics and advancing food security in Nigeria.
According to her, the initiative demonstrates NIPOST’s commitment to leveraging its nationwide logistics network to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security agenda, empower rural communities, and build sustainable partnerships across key sectors of the economy.
Nigeria’s agricultural sector has long struggled with the devastating challenge of post-harvest losses. Research indicates that more than 40 percent of farm produce is lost annually due to poor logistics, inadequate storage, and weak distribution infrastructure. These challenges reduce farmers’ incomes, threaten national food security, and limit the sector’s overall contribution to the economy.
In response, NIPOST developed the Agro-Logistics Initiative NAILI to reposition agriculture as a driver of sustainable economic growth by ensuring farm produce is efficiently moved from rural production hubs to markets and consumers nationwide.
The objectives of NAILI are clear:
i. Reduce post-harvest losses through improved logistics and timely transportation.
ii. Strengthen national food security by ensuring availability and accessibility of farm produce.
iii. Create jobs and empower rural communities through expanded agricultural value chains.
iv. Foster partnerships between government, farmers, development agencies, and the private sector for a coordinated response to food insecurity.
The official launch of NAILI was performed by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, alongside Tola Odeyemi. The event was hosted at the Office of the National Security Adviser with the participation of key stakeholders, development partners, and relevant government agencies.
In his remarks, the Minister emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to harnessing innovation and institutional infrastructure for national development. He highlighted NIPOST’s strategic role in strengthening agricultural value chains through its extensive logistics coverage.
Tola Odeyemi said during her address that NAILI is more than a logistics programme. She explained, “It is a national commitment to ensuring what Nigerian farmers grow reach the people, nourish communities, and reduce wastage.”
The launch brought together government agencies, security institutions, farmers’ associations, and private sector players, showing the collaborative nature of the programme. The Office of the National Security Adviser pledged its support, acknowledging the link between food security, national stability, and economic growth.
Odeyemi stressed that by anchoring NAILI on partnerships, NIPOST has created an inclusive platform where multiple actors across the agricultural value chain can work together toward sustainable solutions.
By integrating technology, infrastructure, and stakeholder collaboration, the NAILI initiative is designed to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian farmers, strengthen local economies through job creation, and position NIPOST as a strategic player in national development beyond traditional postal services.
The Postmaster-General expressed her gratitude for the guidance and support of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. She noted, “I am deeply grateful for the supervisory guidance, steadfast belief, and immense contributions of the Honourable Minister, Dr. Bosun Tijani, whose support has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.”
She also acknowledged the contributions of several partners, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Charles Odii, Director-General of SMEDAN, Anthony Atuche, Managing Director of the Nigeria Commodity Exchange, and Dr. Kabir Yusuf, National Coordinator of the Special Agricultural Processing Zones at the Ministry of Finance Incorporated. Others recognised were Abisoye, Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission, the Office of the National Security Adviser, Interswitch Group, and Nomba Headquarters.
Odeyemi said their support and belief in NAILI reaffirm the idea that food security is a shared responsibility. She stated, “Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Nigeria.”
The launch of the NIPOST Agro-Logistics Initiative is described as a timely step toward safeguarding Nigeria’s food future. The programme reflects NIPOST’s transformation agenda and aligns with President Tinubu’s national priorities on innovation, sustainability, and security.
With the collective will of stakeholders, NAILI is positioned to ensure that no harvest is lost and no family goes hungry.