The Federal Government on Wednesday announced that the civil service will become fully paperless by December 2025.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), Dr Didi Esther Walson-Jack, announced this at a briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, to commemorate the 2025 African Public Service Day and Civil Service Week.
Speaking at the event, she said the move was in line with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025, set to conclude at the end of the year.
‘Even before I assumed office, the OHCSF had already gone paperless. We are now working to accelerate this transformation across all MDAs.
‘Just last week, I was at the Federal Ministry of Health to launch their Enterprise Content Management Systems making them the 11th ministry to go paperless.
The rest are at varying stages of implementation.
‘We have engaged partners to help fund digital transitions in some of the ministries.
‘The race to 31 December 2025, is on, and with hard work and God’s grace, the Nigerian Civil Service will be fully paperless by 31 December 2025’, she said.
Walson-Jack further outlined the activities scheduled to mark the 2025 African Public Service Day and Civil Service Week.
She also said a recent study tour to Singapore was part of preparatory activities aimed at positioning Nigeria’s civil service for excellence and attracting global participation in the upcoming events.
‘The study tour to Singapore was the first major activity we undertook under the collaboration between the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation and the Heads of Service of the 36 states and the FCT’, she said.
According to her, the visit, supported by the United Nations Development Programme, involved 20 state heads of service and was designed to benchmark best global practices and enhance Nigeria’s public service delivery.
‘The idea was borne out of our ongoing collaboration, where we share ideas and knowledge across federal and state levels.
‘Singapore was chosen because it is globally recognised for excellence in public service’, she explained.
Walson-Jack noted that the second phase of the tour would involve the remaining 17 heads of service later this year.
She said the tour provided participants with the opportunity to engage with both public and private sector institutions in Singapore, compare administrative practices, and gain insights into global standards.
‘It was an eye-opener and a capacity-building opportunity
‘Since our return, several state civil services have begun implementing reforms in collaboration with the federal service, particularly in areas such as capability development and digital transformation’, she added.
Walson-Jack further disclosed that Nigeria would host a reciprocal study tour during the upcoming African Public Service Week, where foreign delegates would engage with various federal institutions.
‘They will see firsthand our digitalisation efforts, performance management systems, and other reform initiatives aimed at transforming our civil service.
‘We hope the experience will inspire similar actions in their home countries’, she said.
