The Federal Government of Nigeria has banned the use of personal and generic email services, including Yahoo Mail and Gmail, for all official communications within the public sector, directing civil servants to adopt the government-owned GovMail platform.
The directive, announced by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, mandates all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to immediately transition to the secure institutional email system.
According to the government, the move is aimed at strengthening data security, improving professionalism, and ensuring accountability in official correspondence.
Walson-Jack disclosed that more than 115,000 GovMail accounts have already been activated to facilitate a seamless transition across the federal civil service.
She emphasized that all official communications must now be conducted strictly through GovMail to ensure that government records remain within official systems and are easily traceable.
“The use of institutional email is critical to safeguarding government information and preserving institutional memory. Official data must not reside on private platforms that are outside government control,” she stated.
The directive is also designed to ensure continuity in public service operations, as official communications and records will remain accessible even after a civil servant leaves office.
Analysts say the policy aligns with global best practices in public administration, where governments deploy dedicated digital infrastructure to protect sensitive information and enhance efficiency.
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The Federal Government urged all public servants to comply fully with the new directive, warning that violations may attract sanctions.
The transition to GovMail marks a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to modernise its public service and strengthen digital governance.
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