By John Moses
Nigeria’s Head of Civil Service, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, has urged all federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to fully adopt paperless operations by the end of 2025, as part of an ongoing nationwide digital transformation initiative.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja ahead of the 2025 International Civil Service Week and African Public Service Day, Walson-Jack highlighted that the digital shift is a core objective of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP 25).
“With FCSSIP 25 nearing its completion date on 31 December, we are accelerating the implementation of its pillars, particularly digitalisation,” she stated. “This is not a mere directive—it’s a journey we have already begun.”
She added that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has operated paperlessly for several years, and that other MDAs were now making significant progress. The Federal Ministry of Health was recently recognised as the 11th institution to fully implement a digital content and performance management system.
Despite the momentum, Walson-Jack acknowledged that some MDAs were grappling with funding-related setbacks. “We are working through partnerships to help close those gaps. With God’s grace and committed effort, the entire civil service will go paperless by 2025.”
Beyond digitising records, the initiative aims to automate internal workflows, enhance public service delivery, and increase accountability.
Walson-Jack also addressed delays in the rollout of the Performance Management System (PMS), noting that access to capital project funding had slowed progress. “Though uneven across institutions, implementation is ongoing, and the system remains active.”
She reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to building a more modern, efficient, and transparent civil service.