The Ministry of Police Affairs has taken a major step in its digital transformation journey by launching the Galaxy Backbone Enterprise Content Management (ECM) platform. This new system is designed to facilitate a complete transition from traditional paper-based methods to a modern, secure, and streamlined digital environment.
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader mandate, championed by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, to digitize the entire federal civil service by 31 December 2025.
The ECM platform is set to replace physical files and manual processes, promising enhanced governance, transparency, and operational efficiency within the Ministry.
The platform features a comprehensive interface with several functional tools, including, Gov CMS for managing workflow processes and internal approvals; Gov Email for official correspondence and communication; Gov Conference for virtual meetings and collaborations, and Gov Drive for secure digital file storage and documentation.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ogbonnaya Nlia, noted that the ECM is the beginning of a new culture “engineered by accountability, transparency, institutional memory, and operational excellence.”
The system is designed to centrally manage official records, track workflow processes electronically, and safeguard sensitive documents, thereby eliminating the risks associated with manual retrieval and physical file storage.
While the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has been pushing for technology-led policing (e.g., through the National Criminal Data Fusion Centre and increased digital investigation training), the Ministry’s move to digitize its internal administrative functions is equally vital.
A paperless Ministry is expected to accelerate policy formulation, procurement, and administrative support for the police, leading to faster decision-making on key issues like welfare and operational logistics.
The Ministry is also running the Digitalization Sensitization Programme (DSP), which includes a gamified platform called DigiChallenge, specifically to ensure staff are fully trained and embrace the cultural shift required by the new digital systems.
Centralizing records on a government-owned and managed platform, like the one provided by Galaxy Backbone, ensures better control, security, and integrity of critical government data.
The Ministry has assured staff of continuous capacity building and user support to ensure the full utilization and success of the platform.
