President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that 38 ministries and extra-ministerial departments have transitioned to a secure paperless workflow system as part of ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s civil service.
The President made this known on Wednesday while declaring open the International Civil Service Conference 2026 in Abuja, stating that the country’s public service was undergoing a major digital transformation aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and accountability.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Tinubu said the reforms being implemented under the Renewed Hope Agenda were already producing measurable results.
According to him, the transition from manual processes to electronic workflows demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to building a modern public service capable of supporting investment, innovation and inclusive economic growth.
“When we spoke of digitalisation in 2025, some may have considered it an ambition for the distant future. Today, with 38 Ministries and Extra-Ministerial Departments operating on a secure, paperless and end-to-end electronic workflow system, we are sending a clear message: Nigeria is building a public service that enables progress,” the President stated.
Tinubu directed all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to intensify the adoption of digital work processes and technology-driven service delivery.
He stressed that government institutions must become more responsive to citizens by replacing outdated manual procedures with efficient, data-driven systems.
“The era of manual inefficiency must give way to a culture of speed, transparency, data-driven decision-making and citizen-centred service,” he added.
The President also disclosed that the Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis initiated by his administration was nearing completion, noting that the exercise was aimed at identifying competency gaps and preparing the civil service for modern governance challenges.
Tinubu linked the reforms to broader government initiatives on digital infrastructure, including Project BRIDGE — Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth — which he recently promoted during the Africa CEO Forum in Rwanda.
According to him, Nigeria is opening its digital infrastructure sector to investors and development partners to boost innovation, connectivity, employment opportunities and efficiency in public administration.
The President commended the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, for spearheading reforms under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025.
He also praised the introduction of innovative digital tools such as Service-Wise GPT, describing it as a reflection of disciplined leadership and institutional commitment to reform.
Tinubu urged participants at the conference to use the gathering as an opportunity to deepen governance reforms, strengthen accountability and ensure that ongoing reforms become permanent within the public service system.
