The Nigerian government on Wednesday launched the Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, marking a major step toward the full digitalisation of public service operations. Deployed on the 1Gov Cloud platform, the ECMS enables electronic approvals, automated workflows, and interoperability across government institutions, shifting decision-making from the physical movement of files to faster access to accurate information.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, said the initiative aligns with the federal government’s directive to fully digitalise work processes by December 31 and supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises efficiency, accountability, and a digitally enabled public service.
“For a ministry that plays a strategic role in Nigeria’s economic stability and energy security, this milestone is both timely and significant,” she said, noting that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources occupies a critical position in national development through policy formulation, coordination, and oversight of the oil and gas sector.
According to her, the ministry’s efficiency directly affects revenue generation, investment confidence, and national planning. “Today’s launch, therefore, represents a deliberate shift in how work is organised, records are managed, and decisions are supported,” she added, stressing that the initiative will reduce reliance on paper while strengthening secure record management and faster processes.
Walson-Jack said manual systems can no longer meet the operational demands of the ministry, given its constant engagement with regulators, operators, and other government agencies. She added that the deployment ensures secure records, clear audit trails, efficient workflows, and a reliable institutional memory, while paper-based processing should gradually give way to disciplined digital practice.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, commended the initiative, describing it as fundamental to strengthening institutions and unlocking the potential of the oil and gas sector. “It strengthens our institutions, supports the effective use of resources… It is very important for effective information management and record-keeping. It will also streamline our operations,” he said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Patience Oyekunle, said the ECMS signifies a transition from manual, paper-based processes to a modern digital platform that will enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery, in line with ongoing public service reforms.
