The Federal Government has instructed all Permanent Secretaries to expedite the transition to the digitized workflow system and ensure the effective implementation of the Enterprise Content Management (ECM) Solution to minimize the physical handling of official documents. The directive is aimed at mitigating the rising instances of leakage and unauthorized circulation of sensitive government documents.
In a circular dated February 19, 2024, and signed by Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Presidency noted that the rising incidents of sensitive official documents being leaked from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are embarrassing to the Government and deemed unacceptable.
The circular also strongly urged Permanent Secretaries to caution all staff members against the unauthorized leaking and dissemination of official information and documents, warning that any personnel found engaging in such misconduct will face severe consequences in accordance with the pertinent provisions of the Public Service Rules and other existing circulars.
Dr. Yemi-Esan said the circular serves as a reinforcement of the directive on the “Unauthorized Circulation of Official Documents/Information on Social Media” (Ref. No. HCSF/3065/Vol.1/94, dated August 2, 2021) and other regulations prohibiting the unauthorized disclosure and leakage of official documents.
The government asked Permanent Secretaries to ensure strict adherence to the contents of the circular and bring it to the attention of the Heads of the agencies under their supervision.
