Nigerian Government on Wednesday, announced that the Nigerian Civil Service will become fully paperless by December 2025.
This was disclosed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Didi Esther Walson-Jack.
The HoS announced this at a briefing in Abuja to commemorate the 2025 African Public Service Day and Civil Service Week.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Walson-Jack stated that the move for the paperless is in line with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025, which is set to conclude at the end of the year.
The HoS explained that digitalization is a major pillar of the reform plan. She added that the Government is committed to accelerating its implementation across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
She pointed out that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has already achieved a paperless operation. But is working to support other MDAs to reach the same milestone.
She said, “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 (ECMS), 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 December 31, 2025, is on. With hard work and God’s grace, the Nigerian Civil Service will be fully paperless by December 31, 2025,” she declared.
Walson-Jack further outlined the activities scheduled to mark the 2025 African Public Service Day and Civil Service Week.
She recalled that the African Public Service Day was adopted in 1994 at the Pan-African Conference of Ministers in Tangier, Morocco. And the Day is celebrated annually on June 23 across the continent.
The HoS noted that Nigeria observes the event with a week-long celebration to honour public service values, promote excellence, and advance reform efforts in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Dr. Walson-Jack described the Civil Service Week, which will run from June 20 to 28, as a time to reflect on the progress of reforms. It is also used to celebrate achievements within the public service.
She added that the programme of events will include the commissioning of the remodelled reception of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service. There will be special religious services, wellness activities, a study tour for State Heads of Service, and a social gathering for civil servants.
According to her, the celebration will culminate in the hosting of the International Civil Service Conference and a national Rewards and Recognition Awards Ceremony.
Dr Walson-Jack revealed that the event will be declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Eagle Square, Abuja.
“The conference will feature keynote addresses by reform experts from countries such as the United Kingdom, Azerbaijan, Singapore, Ghana and Nigeria.
“It will also include strategic panel discussions, interactive sessions, exhibitions by public and private organisations. And a special segment to recognize former Heads of the Civil Service of the Federation.
The HoS explained that the conference is designed to serve as a premier platform for knowledge exchange, digital transformation, and institutional partnerships, and citizen-centred service delivery. It also aligns with the strategic priorities outlined in the FCSSIP25, including capability building, performance management, and innovation.
Dr. Walson-Jack expressed gratitude to sponsors and partners who have supported the Civil Service Week and the International Civil Service Conference.
The HoS also extended a special invitation to the private sector to partner with the government by sponsoring the conference. She stated that sponsorship packages ranging from Diamond to Bronze have been designed to give organizations strategic visibility and engagement opportunities with high-level government officials, including permanent secretaries, agency directors, and heads of service from all 36 states and the FCT. Interested sponsors were urged to visit the official conference website to register and secure their slots.
Dr. Walson-Jack concluded by thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support for civil service reforms. She also thanked him for his acceptance to open the conference and attend the awards ceremony.
The HoS also called on civil servants, stakeholders, and the general public to participate actively in the week-long celebration. Just as she urged them to remain committed to building a civil service that is transparent, efficient, and centred on the needs of citizens.