The Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan has on Monday directed all Ministries, Department & Agencies (MDAs) to swiftly begin the digitisation of their records.
Also, HCSF made it known that MDAs are expected to forward a quarterly report on the progress being made on the implementation of the digitisation.

This is contained in a circular referenced HCSF/3057/Vol. 1/77 dated 22nd day of June, 2020 which was made available to TheNigeriaLawyer, with the subject:

“Digitisation of files and other records in MDAs”

Meanwhile, the HCSF opined that the COVID-19 has opened a new order for for immediate adaptation . In any case, directing the MDAs to begin the process of coping with the new normal foisted by the pandemic.

“The current COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on the way work is done and thrown up some challenges.

“As one of the strategies to cope with the situation, virtual meetings, workshops, conference/seminars are held by some MDAs to ensure that service is not grounded. Some that are a little more technologically ahead treat files and memoranda online.”

In addition, it was noted that in the face of the pandemic, the deployment of technologies in the work-atmosphere of the MDAs has become absolutely necessary.

“This development has indicated that, going forward, much can be achieved with the deployment of appropriate technologies in the service.

“The incidence of COVID-19 has, therefore, become a catalyst to accelerate the implementation of the initiative.”

Hence, the HCSF therefore directed all MDAs to comply with the direction without any further delay.

“To this end, all MDAs are expected to commence the process of digitisation/automation of their files and other records without further delay.”