The Federal Ministry of Youth Development says it is deploying an Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) as part of efforts towards a paperless civil service.

The ECMC deployment will cut operational costs, eliminate delays associated with physical files, promote environmentally sustainable practices and improve service delivery to Nigerian youth, according to the ministry.

The deployment, unveiled in Abuja, formed part of the Federal Government’s broader drive towards a paperless civil service, with all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) directed to complete the transition by December 31, 2025.

“A paperless civil service,” Walson-Jack says, “is central to building a modern, responsive and results-driven public sector, and the Ministry of Youth Development has demonstrated commendable leadership in this regard.”

Paperless drive as fundamental shift in work culture

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, says the ECMS, deployed in partnership with Galaxy Backbone Limited, is designed to enhance efficiency, transparency, record management and service delivery across the Ministry.

“This launch is not just about deploying software; it represents a fundamental shift in our work culture,” Olawande says. “Moving from manual processes to seamless digital workflows will accelerate decision-making and strengthen accountability in the delivery of youth-focused programmes.”

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, the minister emphasises that staff engagement will be critical to the success of the system, urging employees to leverage the ECMS to reduce clerical workloads and devote more time to programme design, monitoring and youth engagement.

Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, says the adoption of ECMS across government is expected to significantly lower operating costs, eliminate delays linked to the movement of physical files and improve professionalism within the civil service.

“A paperless civil service,” Walson-Jack says, “is central to building a modern, responsive and results-driven public sector, and the Ministry of Youth Development has demonstrated commendable leadership in this regard.”

According to Walson-Jack, the initiative will also advance environmentally sustainable practices while improving the quality and speed of services delivered to Nigerian youth. She notes that the ECMS aligns with Pillar 5 of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (2021–2025), as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Also speaking at the event, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone Limited, represented by Olusegun Olulade, Executive Director of Customer Centricity and Marketing, says the Ministry’s onboarding onto the One Government Cloud (One Gov) Platform is a significant step towards strengthening efficiency, data security and public trust in government services.

He commends the ministry’s leadership for embracing digital innovation and reaffirms Galaxy Backbone’s commitment to providing sustained technical support to ensure a more responsive, inclusive and future-ready public service.