New system to automate onboarding, payroll, leave and records across 508 MDAs in push for data-driven governance
By Danjuma AMODU
ABUJA – The Federal Government on Monday launched the Human Resource, HR, Modules of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, IPPIS, in what officials described as a major leap toward a smarter, data-driven Civil Service.
The Go-Live ceremony, hosted by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, OHCSF, in Abuja on 27 July 2026, marked a key milestone in efforts to modernise Human Resource Management, HRM, harmonise personnel data and eliminate administrative inefficiencies.
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, described the launch as a watershed moment in the Federal Civil Service Reform Agenda.
She said the IPPIS HR Modules represent more than a digital platform, but a comprehensive system for managing the Government’s most valuable asset — its workforce.
“The IPPIS Human Resource Modules represent a comprehensive system for managing the Government’s most valuable asset—its workforce.”
– Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, HCSF
Walson-Jack explained that the integrated solution digitises the entire employee lifecycle, covering biometric enrolment, onboarding, establishment management, payroll administration, employee mobility, self-service, HR and payroll variations, and workforce analytics.
She noted the platform currently serves over 508 Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs. It is expected to improve data integrity, eliminate duplication, automate approvals, strengthen internal controls and provide audit trails. The system will also give government access to accurate workforce data for policy formulation and manpower planning.
The HCSF said the migration to a locally developed platform aligns with the Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy by promoting local expertise, strengthening security and sovereignty of personnel data, and reducing dependence on foreign software licences.
Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, CFR, said the launch culminates nearly two decades of reforms dating back to IPPIS conception in 2006.
He said the new HR Modules will empower over 600,000 civil servants to manage personnel records, download payslips and apply for leave online. He called for robust change management and the appointment of digital ambassadors across MDAs to drive adoption.
Managing Director of Soft Alliance and Resources Limited, Dr. Bisi Aina, whose firm deployed the SoftSuite Human Capital Management platform, said the solution demonstrates Nigeria’s growing technological capacity. He added that it will strengthen governance, enhance transparency and optimise workforce management across MDAs.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, OHCSF, Mrs. Nkiruka Jones-Nebo, described the Go-Live as another significant milestone in the digital transformation of the Federal Civil Service.
The ceremony featured a formal presentation by the implementing firm and was attended by Permanent Secretaries and senior officials across MDAs.
