The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing locally developed digital solutions in the civil service, in line with the Nigeria First Policy. According to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, this approach will not only enhance the efficiency of the public service but also strengthen the nation’s economy and showcase the ingenuity of Nigerians.
Speaking at the Paperless Civil Service Gala in Abuja, Walson-Jack emphasized the importance of digitalization in the public service, noting that countries that fail to digitize their services risk becoming uncompetitive and irrelevant. She highlighted the progress made by Nigeria in digitalizing its civil service, which demonstrates that African public services can innovate and deliver reforms that meet global standards.
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for the acceleration of digitalization in the Nigerian civil service, with the government recognizing the need to leverage technology to improve service delivery, reduce corruption, and connect with citizens more effectively. As of 2024, only three ministries and extra-ministerial departments had fully digitized their work processes, but significant progress has been made since then.
The establishment of the Seven War Rooms, including the Digitalisation War Room, has driven the transformation of the civil service, with a focus on delivering measurable outcomes. The Digitalisation War Room has been instrumental in driving the transformation from aspiration to delivery, with notable achievements including the implementation of GOVMail, which provides secure government communication at scale, and the automation of core management systems such as the Performance Management System and Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis.
These initiatives have not only improved the efficiency of the civil service but also saved the government billions of naira previously spent on external licenses. The use of locally developed solutions has also helped to build local capacity and support Nigerian expertise, in line with the Nigeria First Policy. As the Nigerian government continues to prioritize digitalization, it is expected that the public service will become more efficient, effective, and responsive to the needs of citizens, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic growth and development.
