The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to stop patronising private printing firms and instead channel their printing jobs through the Government Printing Press.
A leaked circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, said the decision was taken to safeguard the confidentiality and integrity of official documents after several incidents of sensitive information being leaked.
According to the memo, the continued use of private printers by MDAs has created “exploitable gaps” that have led to fake gazettes, unauthorised disclosures, and exposure of classified materials.
The SGF reminded government officials that the Federal Government Printing Press, domiciled in the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, was set up to handle all official publications, including gazettes and other security documents.
“Consequently, all MDAs are hereby directed to utilise the Government Printing Press to ensure the safety and confidentiality of government documents,” the memo stated.
The circular, addressed to ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of agencies, and directors-general, instructed them to ensure strict compliance.
This development comes in the wake of recent embarrassments caused by leaked government memos. In 2024, confidential documents revealing Akume’s request for N1 billion to fund a minimum wage committee, as well as details of N3 billion COVID-19 funds disbursed to former Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Betta Edu, surfaced in the public domain.