All you need to know about Nigeria’s 1Government Cloud Project

I just want to quickly talk about the 1Government cloud project that is currently underway in Nigeria. The country is walking towards digital transformation, and at the forefront of this change is the 1Government Cloud project. Despite its significance, many Nigerians remain unaware of this initiative designed to digitize the public sector.

What is the 1Government Cloud Project?

In simple terms, the plan is to transition public sector activities from the traditional paper-based system to a fully digital, paperless environment. Imagine a Nigeria where government operations — from memos and approvals, to journals, publications, and inter-ministry communications are all seamlessly accessed and managed online. This is the vision of the 1Government Cloud.

Now, central to this initiative is a software called the Electronic Content Management System (ECMS), hosted within Galaxy Backbone’s Tier III data center. This ECMS, hosted in the cloud, is the backbone of the government’s digital operations. What makes it even more significant is that it is locally hosted within Nigeria, ensuring that all operations comply with Nigerian data and security laws, and that the federal government maintains sovereignty over its data.

Transforming Intergovernmental Communication

One of my favorite features of the 1Government Cloud is its ability to enhance communication between different Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Each MDA is granted secure access to the platform, enabling them to send requests, memos, and documents to one another with ease. The days of lost documents, data theft, or the infamous ‘missing approval memo’ are numbered.

Furthermore, this digital system will eliminate the need for massive paper budgets. No more headlines about budget inconsistencies or tales of misappropriated funds — every document will be secure, traceable, accounted for and easily accessible.

How is the ECM Implemented?

With over 700 MDAs in Nigeria, implementing this system across the board is no small task. Galaxy Backbone is leading the charge, but cannot do it alone, especially given the federal government’s 2025 deadline for full digitalization.

To tackle this, Galaxy Backbone has launched the 1Government Cloud Training Academy. This academy trains selected companies equipped with the technical know-how, think of project managers and data analysts, to implement the ECMS across various government agencies. Each company sends three representatives for an intensive five-day training program. Upon passing a final exam, these participants receive certification as Certified 1Gov Cloud Implementers. It’s important to note that the training comes with a fee, but it is a worthwhile investment.

If you’re interested in becoming a certified implementer, you can apply here.

I have only scratched the surface with this article. There is much more to the 1Government Cloud initiative, but i hope this provides a clear understanding of its objectives and implementation strategy. For in-depth information, visit the official site.

Love as always,

Benazir