From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, announced a firm deadline for all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to fully implement paperless operations by December 31, 2025. She revealed that 11 MDAs have already transitioned to paperless workflows, marking significant progress in the federal civil service’s digital transformation agenda.
She made this disclosure during a press briefing to herald this year’s Nigerian Civil Service Week and Africa Public Service Day celebration, scheduled for Friday, June 20 to Saturday, June 28.
The conference is themed: “Rejuvenate, Innovate and Accelerate.”
Walson-Jack stressed that the push towards digitalisation is not merely about eliminating paper but about enhancing productivity, efficiency, and service quality across government operations. “Digital transformation is about maintaining our processes and workflows, but we want to go beyond that,” she stated. Highlighting the launch of several digital platforms within her first 100 days in office, she noted that the flagship tool, Service Wise GPT, an AI-powered platform designed to improve communication, documentation, and overall productivity in the civil service, is already in use.
“We have developed Civil Service GPT for use by civil servants, but the platform is open to all Nigerians. It is helping to increase productivity and improve the quality of our communications,” she explained.
While celebrating the strides made, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation acknowledged that some MDAs face challenges such as funding constraints, which have slowed the pace of digital adoption in certain quarters. However, she assured that partnerships with development agencies and international organisations have helped secure funding to support these transitions.
“Some MDAs have funding problems, but with the help of our partners, we have been able to fund some ministries to ensure they meet the December 31 deadline,” she said confidently.
She also discussed ongoing capacity-building initiatives, including leadership and digital transformation training programmes facilitated by the United Nations and sponsored by the Government of the United Arab Emirates. These programmes, she noted, aim to equip civil servants with the skills necessary to thrive in a digitally driven public service environment.
She further highlighted collaborative efforts with state civil services, noting that several states have begun implementing digital programmes inspired by federal initiatives. “Since we returned from our study tour in Singapore, many state civil services have started programmes to engage more with the federal civil service, especially in capability building and digitalisation,” she said.
The digital transformation drive aligns with the broader vision of creating a world-class civil service that accelerates national development. Walson-Jack reiterated the importance of innovation and rejuvenation in public service, underscoring the upcoming International Civil Service Conference as a platform to exchange knowledge and best practices globally.
“Our vision is to build a civil service that is efficient, productive, incorruptible, and citizen-centred. The digital transformation is a key pillar in achieving this,” she said.
Addressing performance management, she confirmed that most ministries have begun appraising staff using the new performance management system, though progress varies. Funding challenges have slowed some aspects of the system’s rollout, but the process is ongoing with a strong commitment from leadership.
She also stressed the importance of digital literacy, revealing ongoing training programmes for civil servants on digital skills and artificial intelligence to ensure they remain competitive and effective in their roles.
Speaking on the Nigerian Civil Service Week and Africa Public Service Day, the Head of Service disclosed that Nigeria will host over 5,000 delegates from Africa and beyond at the International Civil Service Conference in Abuja on June 25–26, 2025.
This event is a key part of the Nigerian Civil Service Week and Africa Public Service Day, running from June 20 to 28.
The conference will attract public service leaders and reformers to share strategies, promote innovation, and enhance governance systems that are accountable and citizen-focused.
Walson-Jack described the week as a pivotal step towards modernising Nigeria’s civil service into a development-driven institution with regional and international influence.
Highlights include a remodelled reception unveiling, special prayers, thanksgiving services, social gatherings, awards, and a study tour for state civil service heads. Nigeria’s hosting underscores its commitment to transparent, innovative public service and institutional renewal for efficient, equitable service delivery.