FG Bars MDAs from Using Private Printing Firms Over Document Leaks

The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to stop patronising private printing firms, citing concerns over security breaches and the leakage of sensitive documents.

According to a leaked memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, the decision reinforces an earlier policy mandating MDAs to use the Federal Government Printing Press, which is domiciled in the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

The memo, addressed to ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of agencies and directors-general, stressed that continued reliance on private printers had exposed government documents to risks, including the circulation of fake gazettes, unauthorised leaks, and illegal access to confidential materials.

“It has been observed that some MDAs, over time, have patronised private printers for official and confidential documents instead of the Federal Government Press,” the SGF noted. “This non-compliance has created exploitable gaps… It has therefore become necessary to restate that all MDAs must utilise the Government Printing Press to ensure the safety and confidentiality of government documents.”

The directive requires all top officials to ensure wide circulation and strict compliance within their agencies.

The move follows a string of high-profile embarrassments in recent years linked to leaked government memos. In 2024, documents surfaced showing Akume’s request for N1 billion from President Bola Tinubu to fund activities of a minimum wage committee. Another leak revealed that former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, received N3 billion in COVID-19 funds for verification of the national social register.