Petroleum Ministry Unveils ‘Paperless’ System, Targets Efficiency, Time, Cost Savings

Ministry of Petroleum Resources has launched its Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS), dubbed the “Golden Life” of the Electronic Content Management System (ECA), marking a pivotal shift from manual, paper-based processes to a fully digital platform aimed at boosting efficiency, transparency, and service delivery in Nigeria’s vital oil and gas sector.

Speaking during the flag off ceremony at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, in Abuja, on Wednesday, the head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, said that the development places the ministry on track to comply with the federal government’s directive on the full digitalisation of work processes by 31 December 2025.

She explained that the initiative also aligns with the drive of President Tinubu’s administration, which calls for a Public Service that is efficient, accountable, and digitally enabled, translating policy direction into practical action.

“Digital transformation, however, does not end with the launch of a system. Its success depends on consistent use, adherence to established processes, and sustained digital discipline, including the effective use of tools such as the Service-Wise GPT and the Compendium of Federal Circulars, amongst others.

“Ultimately, this initiative is about service delivery, strengthening coordination, preserving institutional memory, and ensuring that accurate records and timely access to information support policy decisions in the petroleum sector,” she said.

Walson-Jack emphasised that going forward, paper-based processing within the Ministry of Petroleum Resources should progressively give way to disciplined digital practice, with official correspondence routed through designated addresses

Highlighting the impact of the system on budget preparation Watson-Jack stated, “And we will ensure that your 2026 budget will not have all that pile of money going to purchase paper.”
She added that for a ministry critical to “Nigeria’s economic stability and energy security,” the ECMS enables “faster work processes, secure record management, and reduced reliance on paper.”

She explained further: “Deployed on the OneGov cloud platform, the ECMS enables electronic approvals, so Honorable Minister, you will not need to have to come from Bayelsa to get your approval.
They will send it to you through the ECMS, you will approve, and you will send it back to them, thereby saving government money and also saving time.”

She said that deployed on the 1Gov Cloud platform, the ECMS enables electronic approvals, automated workflows, and interoperability across government, shifting decision-making from the movement of files to timely access to accurate information.

On his part, the minister of state for petroleum resources (oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, commended the head of service for the initiative, stating that the initiative was transformative and aligns Nigeria with the rest of the world.

“I would like to commend you for this bold initiative of trying to digitalise the transactions of governments and businesses in a manner that will be seamless.

“This is one, program that is very fundamental. It strengthens our institutions, supports the effective use of resources, to fully unlock the potentials, that exist, in the oil and gas sector. It is very important for effective information management and record-keeping. It will also streamline our operations,” he said.
Also speaking, Patience Oyekunle, permanent secretary, ministry of petroleum said that the event signifies transition from manual, paper-based processes to a modern digital platform that will enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.

“This achievement aligns with the ongoing public service reforms championed by the federal government. I wish to specially acknowledge and appreciate the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for her guidance, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the reform and digital transformation of the Federal Civil Service, which has provided the strategic direction for initiatives such as this.”

Also speaking, the managing director of Galaxy Backbone, Prof. ibrahim Adeyanju, urged daily usage: “No excuse is good enough not to use the system. Oga has travelled? No. We don’t have light? No. We have not gone for training? No… It is only by having this focused mindset that the system will work, and indeed, we will make it work.”

Galaxy Backbone Limited is the the federal government-owned ICT provider, responsible for the development and operations of the 1Gov Cloud platform.

Represented by the acting group head, Research Digital Innovation and Skill at Galaxy Backbone, Akintayo Bamisaiye, the MD pledged Galaxy Backbone’s support: “We remain 100 per cent committed to the goals of digital transformation, especially as aligned with the New Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which is ultimately designed to bring about improved service delivery and overall economic well-being for Nigeria.”

A technical demonstration showcased how the system enhances public access, countering perceptions of bureaucratic delays: “With a system like this, citizens’ engagement and improved service delivery from a citizen’s perspective will now be improved. Because as opposed to sending in paper documents, they now have a means with which they can reach out to the ministry.”

Key features include a paperless service portal on the ministry’s website, allowing submissions to offices like the permanent secretary, minister of state for oil, and minister of state for Gas.

Citizens can track requests in real-time: “If they are able to make submissions and from time they are able to track the progress of their submission, it means that they know that what they have submitted… is 100 per cent on time.”

The portal also verifies staff credentials using names and IDs, ensuring authenticity across the civil service.