The Nigerian Federal Government has announced an ambitious plan to achieve a completely paperless civil service by December 31, 2025. Dr. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, made this declaration during a press briefing in Abuja, marking the 2025 African Public Service Day and Civil Service Week.
This digital transformation initiative is a key component of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025, which is set to conclude at the end of the current year.
“Even before I assumed office, the OHCSF had already gone paperless. We are now working to accelerate this transformation across all MDAs,” Walson-Jack stated. She highlighted recent progress, noting, “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.”
To support this extensive digital shift, the government has engaged various partners to secure funding for the transitions in several ministries. “The race to December 31, 2025, is on, and with hard work and God’s grace, the Nigerian Civil Service will be fully paperless by December 31, 2025,” Walson-Jack affirmed.
The Head of Service also elaborated on the various events planned for the 2025 African Public Service Day and Civil Service Week, emphasizing efforts to elevate Nigeria’s civil service on the international stage and attract global engagement. As part of this preparation, a recent fact-finding trip was undertaken to Singapore, supported by the United Nations Development Programme.
This study tour included 20 State Heads of Service and was designed to expose Nigerian civil service leaders to international best practices, aiming to significantly improve public service performance across the country. “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,” Walson-Jack explained. “The idea was born out of our ongoing collaboration, where we share ideas and knowledge across federal and state levels.”
The transition to a paperless system is expected to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and promote greater transparency within the Nigerian Civil Service.
