The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has taken a significant step in its digital transformation agenda by distributing high-performance laptops to its top officials. The move is designed to accelerate the full implementation of its Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system and foster a paperless work environment.
Laptops Handed Over in Abuja Management Meeting
During a Management meeting held in Abuja on 8 January 2026, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, personally presented 30 units of Core i7 laptop systems to Directors and Heads of Departments. This action marks a renewed commitment to public service reform and aligns with the broader directive for a digitalised government.
Dr. Belgore explained that the initiative fulfills a prior promise to equip directors with the necessary digital tools. The goal is to enable efficient work both within the office and remotely, thereby boosting overall service delivery. He stressed that this effort supports compliance with the reforms and strategic initiatives of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).
Configuration for Security and Efficiency
The laptops are not standard issue. The ministry's ICT Department configured each device to come pre-installed with essential office suite applications and robust security solutions. This specific setup is intended to:
- Support workflow automation.
- Ensure secure access to the critical ECM platform.
- Facilitate seamless integration of the system across all departments.
Belgore highlighted that this digital upgrade is expected to bring tangible benefits, including a significant improvement in turnaround time for official tasks and enhanced transparency and accountability in the ministry's operations.
Wider Rollout with Desktop Systems Imminent
The laptop distribution is just one part of a larger hardware deployment. Dr. Amiolemen Marcus, Head of the ICT Department, revealed that an additional 90 desktop computer systems are slated for distribution to various departments and offices before the end of the week. These desktops will feature a similar configuration, further strengthening the ministry's technological infrastructure.
Dr. Marcus recalled that the ministry officially launched its operations on the ECM platform on 30 September 2025. This milestone positioned the ministry as one of the frontrunners in the federal government's public service digitalisation initiative. The current distribution of hardware is a direct continuation of that journey, aiming to ensure all staff have the tools needed to operate effectively within the new digital ecosystem.
