By Nafisat Makinde
The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a significant step towards achieving its ambitious goal of digitalizing 80% of government operations by the end of 2025. On Tuesday, June 2, 2025, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare launched the Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system, marking a major milestone in this journey.
The ECM system is designed to digitize records, automate workflows, and drastically reduce reliance on paper-based processes. This move is expected to enhance transparency, efficiency, and service delivery in the health sector. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is now the 11th core Ministry, Department, and Agency (MDA) to go-live on the ECM platform.
Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, praised the ministry’s leadership and workforce, describing them as a “strong, coherent, and incredibly dedicated team” led by Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom mni. He commended the professionalism and tireless efforts of the ministry’s civil servants, stating that their commitment over the last two years has laid the foundation for a transformative shift in health governance.
“This is more than theory; we are witnessing real implementation, and I have seen firsthand how our teams are delivering on the vision of a digital, client-oriented service,” Professor Pate stated. “The ECM is not just a tool; it’s a manifestation of a new way of working that is efficient, responsive, and transformational.” He further added, “This is a model that, if sustained, will transform not just the civil service but the country.”
Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack OON mni, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), emphasized that the launch reflects the government’s commitment to building a responsive, citizen-centered public service. “This is about reimagining how we work and serve Nigerians in a digital era,” she said. “With ECM, the Federal Ministry of Health joins a growing group of MDAs leading this change, proof that we are not just driving policy from the top, but living the transformation we seek.”
She also highlighted the government’s progress in digital transformation, noting that over 31,000 official government email addresses have already been deployed across MDAs. Additionally, the Office of the Head of Civil Service’s new website is set to go live, powered by Galaxy Backbone’s Virtual Private Server (VPS). Ongoing digital literacy assessments are also helping guide targeted training efforts across the service.
Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom highlighted the ECM system’s potential to revolutionize record-keeping, collaboration, and data security within the ministry. “This is not just an upgrade, it’s a shift to a secure, integrated approach that will enhance service delivery, cut costs, and align us with national development priorities,” she said, urging staff to embrace the change and lead with innovation.
The launch of the ECM system is part of a broader effort to drive digital transformation across government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda aims to achieve 80% digitalization of government operations by 2025 and a fully paperless civil service by 2030. As the country continues to embrace digital technologies, citizens can expect improved services, increased access to information, and enhanced governance.
The event concluded with strong messages of unity, optimism, and national pride, as stakeholders expressed their confidence that this digital transformation will not only strengthen the health sector but also help shape a more efficient and effective Nigerian government.
