Daniel Adaji
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has been recognised for its digital transformation efforts, winning the Go-Live Excellence Award at the Paperless Civil Service Gala and Awards Night held on Wednesday.
The award was presented in recognition of the Ministry’s successful transition to a fully digitised workflow, marking a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s ongoing public sector reform agenda.
Organised by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), the high-profile event drew Permanent Secretaries, Ministers, development partners, members of the diplomatic corps, Directors, and other senior government officials.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, described the paperless initiative as “a fundamental shift in culture, mindset, and service delivery,” rather than a mere technological upgrade.
He said digital governance improves efficiency, transparency, accountability, and citizen-centred service delivery, while aligning with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (2021–2025) and the broader public sector reform agenda of the current administration.
Senator Akume commended institutions that demonstrated leadership and courage in driving change, stressing that “future governance lies in systems, not shortcuts,” and reaffirmed his office’s commitment to supporting digital reforms across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
In her remarks, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, described the occasion as a defining moment in the reform journey of the Nigerian Federal Civil Service. She traced the evolution of digitalisation reforms from 2017, noting the decisive push during the COVID-19 era that made electronic content management mandatory across MDAs.
Mrs. Walson-Jack said the move to a paperless system was the product of deliberate and sustained reforms spanning successive administrations, applauding Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and staff for embracing change and unlearning old habits to ensure the initiative’s success.
She also commended the Digitalisation Committee, the Galaxy Backbone platform team, and technical partners for their expertise and perseverance in deploying digital systems across MDAs, while urging public servants to remain resilient despite initial challenges associated with change.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, said the Go-Live Excellence Award affirms the Ministry’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and accountable service delivery.
She attributed the achievement to strong teamwork and the dedication of an outstanding team that ensured the Ministry’s smooth transition to a paperless operational system.
The recognition underscores the growing impact of digital reforms within the Federal Civil Service, as MDAs increasingly adopt technology-driven systems to enhance service delivery and institutional efficiency.
