Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), has called on Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to fully transition to paperless operations before the end of 2025.
Walson-Jack made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at a world press conference ahead of the 2025 International Civil Service Week and African Public Service Day, scheduled to hold between June 25 and June 26.
She said that the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation. Plan (FCSSIP 25) guides civil service reforms.
She said that going digital by civil servants formed part of the FCSSIP 25 agenda, and was due to conclude on Dec. 31.
“Realising that FCSSIP 25 ends this year, we resolved to accelerate the implementation of its core pillars, especially digitalisation.
“We are urging all MDAs to go paperless. This is not just a directive, it is something we have already implemented.
“The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has been paperless even before I assumed office, ” she said.
Walson-Jack said that the digital transformation efforts were gaining momentum across the service.
She cited the Federal Ministry of Health as the latest to adopt an enterprise content of Performance Management System (PMS) .
“I was in the Ministry of Health last week to launch their content management system. It is now the 11th ministry or extra-ministerial department to operate paperlessly,” she said.
The HCSF, however, acknowledged that some MDAs were facing challenges, particularly with funding.
She said that partnerships were being leveraged to support their transition.
“The race to Dec. 31 is on, and by the grace of God and with sustained effort, the entire civil service will be paperless by the end of 2025.”
Walson-Jack said that digital transformation went beyond eliminating paper, explaining that it also involves automating workflows and improving service delivery.
“In my first 100 days in office, we launched several digital platforms. This journey is about reforming how the civil service operates for greater efficiency and accountability,” she said.
Speaking on implementation of the PMS, Walson-Jack expressed concerns over the delay in the exercise across MDAs.
She said that the implementation of the system was ongoing, in spite of current funding challenges. She attributed the delay in the 2025’s cycle to a lack of access to capital project funding.
“This year, we experienced a major hitch due to the delay in accessing funds. This has slowed down the PMS cycle. However, I assure you that the system remains operational across MDAs, albeit at varying stages of implementation,” she said.
FG working towards world-class public service – Walson-Jack
Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), says the Federal Government is committed to building a world-class public service in Nigeria.
Walson-Jack made this known on Wednesday in Abuja at a World Press Conference ahead of the International Civil Service Conference and the African Public Service Week scheduled for June 25 to 26 in Abuja.
She 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 (UNDP), involved 20 State Heads of Service and was designed to benchmark best global practices and enhance Nigeria’s public service delivery.
“The idea was born 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 will 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 will 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.