President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to fully adopt technology-driven processes, revealing that 38 ministries and extra-ministerial departments have already transitioned to a secure paperless workflow system. The President stated that the Nigerian civil service is undergoing a major digital transformation aimed at eliminating bureaucratic delays, improving transparency, and enhancing service delivery.
International Civil Service Conference 2026
Speaking at the opening of the International Civil Service Conference 2026 in Abuja, Tinubu declared that the era of manual inefficiency in government operations must give way to a faster, more accountable, and technology-driven public service. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the President said reforms under his administration's Renewed Hope Agenda are already producing measurable outcomes. According to him, the civil service has moved from aspiration to execution, and from execution to measurable impact.
Digital Transformation Milestone
Tinubu noted that the deployment of end-to-end electronic workflow systems across dozens of ministries underscores Nigeria's commitment to building a modern bureaucracy capable of driving investment, innovation, and inclusive economic growth. He emphasized that when digitalization was discussed in 2025, some viewed it as a distant ambition. However, with 38 ministries and extra-ministerial departments now operating on a secure, paperless, and end-to-end electronic workflow system, Nigeria is sending a clear message that it is building a public service that enables progress.
The President directed all MDAs to intensify the adoption of digital systems and technology in public administration, insisting that government institutions must become more responsive to citizens' needs. He stressed that manual inefficiency must give way to a culture of speed, transparency, data-driven decision-making, and citizen-centered service.
Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis
Tinubu also disclosed that the ongoing Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis initiated by his administration is nearing completion. He noted that the exercise aims to identify competency gaps and reposition workers for modern governance. The President linked these reforms to the broader digital infrastructure drive of his administration, including Project BRIDGE (Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth), which he recently promoted at the Africa CEO Forum in Rwanda. According to him, Nigeria is opening its digital infrastructure ecosystem to investors and development partners to stimulate job creation, innovation, connectivity, and public sector efficiency.
Commendation for Civil Service Leadership
The President commended the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, for driving reforms under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) 2021-2025. He particularly praised the introduction of innovative tools such as Service-Wise GPT, describing it as evidence of what can be achieved through disciplined leadership and institutional commitment. Tinubu urged the conference to serve as a results laboratory for deeper governance reforms, calling on participants to focus on institutionalizing reforms and strengthening accountability across public institutions.
