MINISTRY OF DEFENCE LAUNCHES DIGITAL SYSTEM, DECLARES END OF PHYSICAL FILES

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, has declared that the era of physical file carrying is over, announcing the commencement of digital efficiency within the ministry. He made this declaration during the official launch and “Go-Live” of the Enterprise Content Management System at the Ministry’s headquarters in Ship House, Abuja on Tuesday.

Minister Musa stated that the launch represents more than just a new software application. “We are witnessing a fundamental shift in the way we conduct the business of national security,” he said. He emphasized that while technology provides the tool, staff dedication is the driver, urging all personnel to embrace the new system with an open mind. He linked the initiative to the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which identifies digital transformation as a critical pillar for national growth.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Esther Didi Walson-Jack, commended the Ministry for the launch, describing it as an initiative that will stand the test of time. “Any occasion that strengthens efficiency, accountability and secure information management within the Civil service is a welcome one,” she stated. She noted that for the Ministry of Defence, effective record management is essential given its core mandate of national sovereignty and security. She confirmed that this milestone places the Ministry on track to meet the Federal Government’s directive for full digitalisation of work processes by the 31st of December, 2025.

“The deployment of ECMS 1Government Cloud marks the fundamental shift of how government business is conducted,” Walson-Jack said. She explained that through this system, the Ministry will benefit from secured digital records, automated workflows, electronic approvals, and interoperability. “Decision making will now be driven by timely access to timely information rather than delayed by the physical movement of files,” she reiterated.

The Managing Director and CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, stated that the launch is a critical step towards greater efficiency, transparency, and collaboration. He described the 1Government Cloud ECMS as a sovereign solution designed to centralize content, enhance document security, and empower staff. “Our objectives enable every user to work efficiently, securely, productively thereby improving service delivery to Nigerians,” Professor Adeyanju added.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, said the launch marks a pivotal transformation from a paper-based to a fully digital, paperless environment. “This is a direct call to modernised way of doing things,” he stated. He emphasized the strategic importance of the move, noting that efficiency in defence operations directly impacts national security. “By adopting ECMS we are ensuring that the movement of files, processing of approvals are timely and sensitive data are done with speed, accuracy and maximum security,” Pheelangwa said.

The Permanent Secretary also acknowledged the instrumental collaboration with Galaxy Backbone, which provided the technical expertise and infrastructure resilience needed to support the high demands of a paperless ministry. He outlined the expected transformative benefits, including improved efficiency, cost-effectiveness, transparency, and accountability in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.