The Federal Government has fully digitalized operations in 38 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and extra-ministerial departments.
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, announced this on Wednesday in Abuja at the Digital Transformation Summit 2026, organized by Galaxy Backbone (GBB) to mark its 20th anniversary.
The summit’s theme was: “Connecting Government for National Growth: Driving Digitalisation Across MDAs for a More Efficient and Connected Nigeria.”
She noted that over 115,000 active GovMail accounts are currently in use across the public service, describing the platform as vital for secure, professional, and traceable official communication.
Walson-Jack emphasized that digitization is central to the ongoing transformation of the Federal Civil Service.
She stated that government can no longer rely on analogue systems and fragmented processes if it aims to deliver efficient, transparent, and citizen-centered services.
“In the old order, a file moving could mean many things.
Today, in a digital civil service, movement must mean traceability, accountability, timely action, and measurable progress. That is the change we are driving,” she said.
She described digitization as a practical reform to improve government operations, reduce bureaucratic delays, strengthen institutional memory, and enhance service delivery.
A connected government would better plan, responsibly share information, reduce duplication, and respond swiftly to citizens’ needs.
Walson-Jack noted that digital transformation is a global imperative, with governments adopting digital infrastructure, cloud services, secure connectivity, and data-driven decision-making.
She pointed out that Nigeria’s size and complexity make digital integration even more critical.
“If institutions are not connected, government will be slow.
If systems cannot communicate, citizens will suffer delays.
Poor record management weakens institutional memory,” she said.
She added that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service has prioritized digitalization within the Civil Service Transformation Agenda, aiming to build an efficient, productive, incorruptible, and citizen-centered public service.
She highlighted that Nigeria’s civil service has moved beyond discussions to actual implementation, successfully digitizing work processes across all MDAs.
“This was a bold target, but we achieved it. The civil service must lead in modernization.
We issued clear directives, engaged permanent secretaries, monitored progress, and ensured the Civil Service moves at the required pace.
The paperless initiative isn’t just about eliminating paper; it’s about removing delays, reducing bureaucracy, and improving transparency and accountability,” she explained.
She noted benefits such as faster correspondence, easier record retrieval, better supervision, and stronger institutional continuity.
Walson-Jack commended GBB for providing services like the iGovernment Cloud, GovMail, high-speed internet, and secure connectivity to support government operations.
GBB Managing Director, Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, stated that the past two decades have seen an unprecedented digital revolution driven by emerging technologies like AI, cloud computing, and data analytics, transforming economies and public service delivery.
He said countries worldwide are investing heavily in digital infrastructure, recognizing that digital leadership is increasingly linked to economic leadership.
“For Nigeria, the opportunity is immense.
With one of Africa’s largest populations, a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, and a young, innovative demographic, our digital future isn’t just an aspiration; it’s a necessity,” he said.
Adeyanju urged participants to challenge assumptions, share ideas, explore partnerships, and find innovative solutions for sustainable growth.
He called for collective efforts to build stronger digital institutions, create smarter economies, and empower citizens through technology.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria could emerge as a leader in Africa’s digital future through sustained investment, innovation, and collaboration.
The summit brought together policymakers, investors, innovators, tech experts, and development partners to chart practical pathways for accelerating digital transformation.
