Akume reaffirms FG’s commitment to modern citizen-centred service
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication to developing a modern, responsive, and citizen-focused public service in the nation, emphasizing that the future of governance relies on structured systems rather than shortcuts.
He praised the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, for her visionary leadership, steadfastness, and dedication to reforms within the Federal Civil Service, noting that the successes achieved clearly showcase the potential that arises when leadership pairs policy with implementation.
Akume, who attended as the guest of honour, made these remarks at the Paperless Civil Service Gala & Awards Night, which took place on Wednesday in Abuja.
As part of the Federal Government's digitalization initiative, all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are required to shift to paperless operations by December 31, 2025. This transition, through the implementation of the Enterprise Content Management System, is being facilitated by Galaxy Backbone.
The SGF emphasized that moving to paperless work processes represents more than just a technological enhancement; it signifies a crucial change in culture, mindset, and service delivery, reflecting efficiency over bureaucracy, transparency over secrecy, and accountability over discretion.
“This transformation completely aligns with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2021–2025) and the wider public sector reform agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Digital governance has become essential for effective coordination, fiscal responsibility, and prompt decision-making throughout the government.
“Tonight, we also honor individuals, teams, and organizations that have illustrated leadership, innovation, and bravery in promoting change, often amid challenges. Your recognition here conveys a strong message across the Service: excellence will be acknowledged, and excellence will be rewarded,” SGF remarked.
He consequently urged all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to institutionalize digital processes, protect data integrity, invest in capacity building, and ensure the sustainability of reforms beyond individual personalities while reaffirming the commitment of his Office to support all initiatives that improve coordination, efficiency, and reform within the government.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, noted that the path towards a digitally transformed and paperless Federal Civil Service did not commence suddenly, revealing that past reforms have been consolidated and accelerated with urgency and discipline, ensuring continuity and sustainability while achieving measurable results.
“That was why the War Rooms were established under FCSSIP25, not as venues for lengthy speeches, but as platforms for execution, accountability, and measurable outcomes.
“The Digitalisation War Room, in particular, has propelled the shift from aspiration to implementation, and the evidence of this transformation is now apparent across the Service,” she explained.
Walson-Jack shared that the GOVMail initiative, driven by this coordinated effort, has resulted in the creation of 100,828 official email accounts for employees, offering secure government communication on a large scale, enhancing sovereignty over official correspondence, boosting responsiveness, and saving the government billions previously spent on external licenses.
She also disclosed that a world-class Service-Wise GPT, an Artificial Intelligence tool, has been deployed, which is trained on the Constitution, Public Service Rules, statutory regulations, circulars, and other official documents, achieving over 25,000 chats and enabling quicker access to authoritative information for public servants and the general public.
“This evening marks a significant milestone in the reform process of the Nigerian Federal Civil Service, as digitalization, which for many years was perceived as a good idea to be realized ‘one day,’ has finally arrived, and I am thrilled that we can now discuss it not as a concept but as a tangible reality,” she concluded.
Leave A Comment