On September 1, 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria unveiled a major digital transformation initiative within the Ministry of Interior: the Interior Electronic Records and Archiving System (INTERAS), an 8.3-petabyte Tier-4 data centre e-workflow hub integrating the government’s ECM (Enterprise Content Management) strategy.
Digital Reform Ahead of Schedule
At the launch in Abuja, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the interior minister announced that the ministry had surpassed the December 31 deadline set by the federal civil service to go paperless.
Going forward, all processing and documentation will be fully digital, eliminating traditional paper-based bureaucracy, according to Guardian report.
Sustainable, Mobile-First Infrastructure
INTERAS is powered by solar energy and operates from a resilient Tier-4 data centre, ensuring secure and sustainable data ownership by the government.
As Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized, this system enables mobile service delivery: files no longer stay on desks overnight, and government business can be handled remotely with greater speed and efficiency.
Integrated Digital Services Across Departments
The e-workflow hub connects all agencies under the Ministry of Interior, fully automating services in key areas such as citizenship applications, business permits, and marriage licenses.
The previously cumbersome quota administration process is now fraud-resistant thanks to data synchronization with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
Additionally, electronic CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card) issuance has replaced manual forms.
Enhanced Border Security with APIS and Surveillance
Border monitoring systems have also been modernized. The Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS), compliant with UN standards, now enables pre-arrival tracking of entrants into Nigeria.
Immigration profiling is now both objective and data-driven, significantly improving border control efficiency.
Digital Governance Earns Accolades
Didi Esther Walson-Jack, head of the Civil Service, hailed the launch as a pivotal step toward digital transformation in Nigeria’s public service, recognizing the Interior Ministry as the 18th ministry to adopt ECM.
She further acknowledged the ministry’s progress in streamlining visa, passport, and residence permit processes, directly benefiting millions of Nigerians and foreign visitors.
Institutional Vision and Leadership
Dr. Magdalene Ajani, permanent secretary described the launch of INTERAS as “epoch-making,” lauding it as a milestone in progressive governance.
She emphasized that this isn’t just a technological update but a strategic framework for efficiency, accountability, and institutional continuity.
In just nine months, the ministry transitioned to a fully government-hosted digital platform, even without full equipment coverage.
As of the launch, 275 computers were operational, with plans to stock more in 2025.
The interface, developed by Zimedi Consult, includes hierarchically structured access controls and features such as an internal circular section, departmental filing tools, registry access, out-of-office requests, and payment vouchers.
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