Johannesburg: AfricUpdate News Desk
The Federal Government has commenced the nationwide rollout of its paperless governance programme, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda. The initiative is being implemented through the 1Government Cloud platform, developed by Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB), and is now operational across selected Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The pilot phase includes major institutions such as the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Ministry of Solid Minerals; Ministry of Steel Development; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Federal Ministry of Justice; Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria; and the Federal Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs. These agencies are the first to adopt the system, which is designed to streamline public service operations within a secure and sovereign digital environment.
Built to replace traditional file-based workflows, the 1Government Cloud is expected to reduce bureaucratic delays, lower costs associated with printing and storage, and enhance transparency in governance. It also integrates encrypted storage and communication features, enabling faster decision-making and strengthening the security of government records.
The platform includes a suite of sovereign digital tools tailored to Nigeria’s public sector needs. These include GovDrive for secure file management, GovMail for official correspondence, GovE-Sign for legally binding electronic approvals, and GovConference for encrypted meetings. Additional features such as GovAsset Management and GovCollaboration provide further support for accountability and teamwork across government institutions.
The adoption of the 1Government Cloud aligns with the directive of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, which mandates the transition to a fully paperless civil service by December 2025. To achieve this, a phased strategy is underway, focusing on infrastructure readiness and staff training across government agencies.
By embedding digital tools into its core administrative processes, Nigeria is laying the groundwork for a smarter, more responsive government. The rollout demonstrates the country’s commitment to creating a secure, efficient, and globally competitive governance framework while positioning itself among nations leveraging sovereign cloud solutions for public service delivery.
