Government Moves Toward a Fully Modernised, Paperless Public Service
The Federal Ministry of Interior has announced a landmark policy shift as it prepares to completely phase out physical correspondence. Beginning December 1, 2025, the Ministry will no longer accept handwritten letters, hard-copy documents, or any form of manual submission. All official communication must henceforth be conducted exclusively through approved digital platforms.
This directive, signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, marks a major step in the Federal Government’s broader digital transformation agenda. The Ministry described the decision as a “decisive step in modernising public service delivery”, noting that it aligns with the Digitalisation Reform Pillar of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2025) and follows the recent mandate from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
According to the announcement, two official digital channels have been designated for all submissions, inquiries, and document uploads:
- Interior Correspondence Email Portal: interas.interior.gov.ng
- Ministry of Interior Official Website: interior.gov.ng (with document submission available via the backend after user registration)
The Ministry emphasized that it will no longer entertain or process any correspondence received outside these authorized online systems.
Dr. Ajani explained that the transition aims to enhance efficiency, strengthen transparency, and ensure faster service delivery across internal and external engagements. She stressed that traditional paper-based communication is inconsistent with the Nigerian Government’s long-term goal of creating a fully digital, technology-driven public service ecosystem.
“Effective 1st December 2025, the Ministry will no longer accept manual submission of letters, mails, or physical documents. All official correspondence must be routed through the approved digital platforms,” she stated.
The Ministry also urged all MDAs, partner organisations, stakeholders, and members of the public to comply fully in order to avoid delays or disruptions in processing their requests.
This major reform, the Ministry added, will help reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, cut processing time, improve accountability, and reduce operational costs through paperless workflow systems.
Reaffirming its commitment to modern governance standards, the Interior Ministry noted that Nigeria is now accelerating its digital shift an effort expected to improve public engagement, boost transparency, and position the civil service for global competitiveness.
