Enugu to ban unregistered logistics providers by December 1

The Enugu government says it will ban unregistered logistics service providers operating in the state by December 1.

The state government asked operators to register before the deadline.

Emeka Ajogwu, the state commissioner for special duties, disclosed the registration deadline on Tuesday at a meeting with the association of courier operators in the state.

Ajogwu said the dialogue with the operators had become important, following the increase in reports of the constant breach of security due to the lack of coordination and chaotic nature of logistic service operations in Enugu.

“The state government discovered that the courier service providers are not organised, people simply purchase motorcycles and put them on the roads without any registration with the government,” the commissioner said.

“It is also worrisome that courier service providers operated by midnight without any means of identification showing they were genuine business operators.

“We have also heard that some of the bad eggs among you are hiding under the cover of this business to peddle drugs and move around small arms and light weapons within the metropolis.

“This is unacceptable and a concern to the government.”

Ajogwu said Peter Mbah’s administration is taking the issue of security very seriously.

He said the meeting was held to enable stakeholders to agree on the measures to put in place, “so that we will begin to separate the wheat from the chaff, so that genuine business owners will not be affected by the unscrupulous activities of those who are not genuine”.

“Your operations must be organised and regulated so that the logistics industry can play its rightful role in our economy and, henceforth, all operators of logistics companies in Enugu state must be licensed by the Ministry of Transport,” Ajogwu said.

“All unbranded and unnumbered motorcycles should not ply our roads. Every company must brand their motorcycles and every bike will have a number.”

The commissioner also said every rider must be dressed in their company uniform and must carry a valid identity card issued by the company.

He added that operators are to keep records of delivery pick-ups, their locations, and phone numbers, while a waybill for all items in the delivery box must be readily available on demand by the authorities.

Ajogwu said genuine dispatch riders should not be on the road by 8pm, “unless he or she has been verified, certified and authenticated by the relevant authorities”.

On his part, Adaora Okoye, the interim chairperson of the Courier Operators Association, said the organisation would comply with the state government’s demands.