Aviation, Petroleum ministries to stop use of papers

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) yesterday directed the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to stop the use of physical papers in all its work processes.

Speaking in the ministry in Abuja during the launch of the Digital Enterprise Content Management System, the HCSF, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack urged the ministry to comply fully with the digitization of work process by 31st December 2025.

The event was tagged “Go-Live of the Electronic Content Management System (ECMS) in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.”

She said, “This 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 and advances Pillar Five of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP25), which prioritises digitalisation across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.”

She said the Ministry of Petroleum Resources occupies a critical position in national development, with responsibility for policy formulation, coordination, and oversight in the oil and gas sector. According to her, the ministry’s efficiency directly impacts revenue generation, investment confidence, and national planning.

Jack explained that the launch is an intentional shift from the management of records and work organizations.

She said because of the ministry’s constant engagement with the regulatory agencies, it can no longer cope with operational demands.

Her words: “Today’s launch, therefore, represents a deliberate shift in how work is organised, records are managed, and decisions are supported. Given the Ministry’s constant engagement with regulatory agencies, operators, and other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, manual processes can no longer meet operational demands.”

The digital initiative, she said, strengthens the effectiveness of the Public Service by enabling faster work processes, secure record management, and reduced reliance on paper.

She described it as a significant and timely milestone for a Ministry that plays a strategic role in Nigeria’s economic stability and energy security.

 Jack said the digital transformation, however, does not end with the launch of a system as 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.

She said ultimately the 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.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri said the program will fully unlock the potentials of the oil and gas sector.

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He noted that one the sector is successful, it will rub off on the other sector of the economy.

He urged the HCSF to train some of the minister that that needs digital literacy to comply with the digital initiative.

Meanwhile, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Patience Oyekunle said the event signifies the transition from manual, paper-based processes to a modern digital platform that will enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.

According to her, the achievement aligns with the ongoing public service reforms championed by the Federal Government.

She expressed gratitude to Lokpobiri for his strong support, noting that his leadership has been instrumental in ensuring the timely deployment of the system.