The Federal Government has inaugurated a digital literacy training programme aimed at equipping federal civil servants with the skills to leverage digital technologies for enhanced productivity and efficiency. The initiative, a joint effort between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, underscores the importance of human capacity development in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
At the launch of a three-day workshop on digital literacy training and certification in Abuja, NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, highlighted that digital transformation is about empowering people rather than merely deploying technology. “Technology improves lives, but it is you—the policymakers, service designers, and implementers—who deliver value to citizens,” he said.
Inuwa unveiled the ambitious “Digital Literacy for All” (DL4ALL) initiative, which aims to achieve 70% digital literacy in Nigeria by 2027. Key measures under this plan include developing a digital literacy curriculum in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, training teachers, and integrating digital skills into tertiary education curricula. The initiative also targets training 10.3 million Nigerians annually through partnerships with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other stakeholders. “By 2030, between 35 to 45 percent of jobs in Nigeria will require digital competency,” Inuwa noted, citing World Bank projections.
Representing the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, Permanent Secretary of the Career Management Office, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to creating a dynamic, technology-driven civil service. She described the training as a cornerstone of the Federal Civil Service Commission’s strategy to build a globally competitive workforce.
“This workshop is not just a training exercise but a pivotal opportunity to shape the future of Nigeria’s public service,” Mahmood stated. “Participants will acquire cutting-edge skills and knowledge to deliver their mandates effectively, driving meaningful change and progress.”
She commended the partnership between NITDA and the Office of the Head of Civil Service, describing it as a model for achieving shared goals. “This collaboration highlights the power of working together to harness digital technology and transform Nigeria’s public service,” she added.
The workshop reflects the government’s broader strategy to ensure that civil servants are equipped to navigate the demands of a rapidly digitizing world, laying the groundwork for sustained economic growth and developmen
