The Federal Government on Wednesday flagged off the Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. The initiative is aimed at promoting faster work processes, secure records management and reduced reliance on paper.
Speaking during the flag off ceremony in Abuja, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, said that the development places the Ministry on track to comply with the Federal Government’s directive on the full digitalisation of work processes by 31 December 2025.
She explained that the initiative also aligns with the drive of President Tinubu’s administration, which calls for a Public Service that is efficient, accountable, and digitally enabled, translating policy direction into practical action.
“Digital transformation, however, does not end with the launch of a system. Its success depends on consistent use, adherence to established processes, and sustained digital discipline, including the effective use of tools such as the Service-Wise GPT and the Compendium of Federal Circulars, amongst others.
“Ultimately, this initiative is about service delivery, strengthening coordination, preserving institutional memory, and ensuring that accurate records and timely access to information support policy decisions in the petroleum sector,” she said.
Walson-Jack emphasised that going forward, paper-based processing within the Ministry of Petroleum Resources should progressively give way to disciplined digital practice, with official correspondence routed through designated addresses.
She said that deployed on the 1Gov Cloud platform, the ECMS enables electronic approvals, automated workflows, and interoperability across government, shifting decision-making from the movement of files to timely access to accurate information.
In his remarks, Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources (oil) commended the head of service for the initiative, stating that the initiative was transformative and aligns Nigeria with the rest of the world.
“I would like to commend you for this bold initiative of trying to digitalize the transactions of governments and businesses in a manner that will be seamless.
“This is one, program that is very fundamental. It strengthens our institutions, supports the effective use of resources, to fully unlock the potentials, that exist, in the oil and gas sector. It is very important for effective information management and record-keeping. It will also streamline our operations,” he said.
Also speaking, Patience Oyekunle, permanent secretary, ministry of petroleum said that the event signifies transition from manual, paper-based processes to a modern digital platform that will enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.
“This achievement aligns with the ongoing public service reforms championed by the Federal Government. I wish to specially acknowledge and appreciate the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for her guidance, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the reform and digital transformation of the Federal Civil Service, which has provided the strategic direction for initiatives such as this.”
