Zipline Logistics Commences Commercial Delivery Packages In Kaduna Nigeria
Zipline, the acclaimed operator of the world’s most extensive automated delivery system, has begun operations in Nigeria as it now delivers medical commodities in Kaduna state.
Using aerial vehicles also known as drones, the instant logistics company dispatches medical items to health institutions and facilities within the state of Kaduna. There has been recorded success with its inceptive deliveries made to Galadimawa HC, Kauru LGA among other locations.
For speedy administration of healthcare, several medical centres in the state have revealed that they are already enrolled on the logistics platform.
Zipline has its distribution centre located in Pambegua, Kaduna state. This will be the first hub opened by the robotic logistics line in the West African nation. The launching to the state is meant to support the Nigerian government by delivering medical items needed in the state to medical facilities in the state.
Chongfilawos Irimiya, medical staff at Galadimawa PHC, who spoke after the delivery of some vaccines, said, “We thank God for Zipline. We are in the bush and cut off. We used to go very far to the Apex centres to get our vaccines, which is very stressful and uncomfortable, but with Zipline, all that is in the past”.
After the commission of its hub in 2022, Zipline had worked on gaining access to all necessary licences needed to ply the state’s airways.
Gaining successful approval for the licences gave the logistics company access to commence commercial flights within the state.
Zipline has the ability to also deliver other commodities, such as e-commerce products and vaccines for animal health.
While going into agreement with the Kaduna state government back in February 2021, Zipline also announced in May 2021, that it had gained the same agreement with the government of Bayelsa State.
Speaking on the commencement of the deliveries and the approval of the licences in the state, the General Manager of Zipline Nigeria, Ms Catherine Odiase, stated “the company is pleased to have received the necessary regulatory approval to be able to support the health needs of the community.”
She also reiterated that “our technology has proven to be a great resource in helping governments achieve access to universal healthcare. By this, we remain committed to ensuring that we support the government of Kaduna in meeting this target by way of efficient delivery of medical commodities and other products as will be agreed, to all parts of the state within 40minutes or less from our distribution hub”. She pledged the readiness of Zipline to continue to “partner with governments to ensure no one in the country is left behind in access to the basic healthcare delivery services”.
Zipline has launched in other African countries namely Rwanda and Ghana while it also has plans to launch in Cote d’Ivoire and in Kenya.