The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has initiated an extensive training program for 1,000 civil servants from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This initiative aims to strengthen IT Project Clearance processes, enhance digital competencies within the public sector, and drive the administration’s digital transformation objectives.
The capacity-building program, hosted at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN) in Kubwa, Abuja, is designed for ICT, Budget, Finance, and Planning Officers in Federal Public Institutions. Conducted in phases, the training provides participants with essential expertise in planning, budgeting, and managing ICT systems to ensure their seamless acquisition, deployment, and long-term sustainability. The objective is to establish a unified approach to digital projects across government institutions.
At the opening ceremony, themed “Empowering Public Sector ICT Excellence Through Strategic Planning and Effective Funding,” NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, underscored the crucial role of strategic planning and adequate funding in improving public service delivery. Represented by the Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions, Mr. Oladejo Olawunmi, he reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to digital transformation through its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0.
Inuwa emphasized that SRAP 2.0 aligns with national priorities, focusing on key areas such as talent development, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, innovation, and policy formulation to foster a sustainable digital economy. However, he pointed out several challenges impeding digital transformation in the public sector, including inadequate collaboration among stakeholders, short-term project planning, poor ICT infrastructure maintenance, software licensing issues, and limited capacity-building initiatives.
To address these issues, NITDA has reinforced its IT Project Clearance process to ensure that digital initiatives are meticulously planned and executed in alignment with national objectives. Inuwa revealed that only 12 percent of Federal Public Institutions (FPIs) currently comply with the clearance process, stressing the necessity of a whole-of-government approach to fully align with digital transformation goals.
In his remarks, Inuwa highlighted the importance of efficient resource management, urging participants to allocate public funds wisely for projects that yield measurable benefits to citizens. He called for optimizing budgeting processes, improving financial oversight, and developing systems that promote transparency and accountability in public service.
“This program is structured to enhance your professional development through expert-led sessions, interactive discussions, and practical case studies, equipping you with actionable knowledge for your roles,” he stated.
He encouraged participants to leverage the training’s insights, reinforcing the vital role of ICT, project, finance, and planning officers in fostering efficient resource management, effective program implementation, and improved public service delivery.
“Your contributions are essential to governance success. By refining your expertise in strategic planning, monitoring, evaluation, and financial management, you play a key role in the nation’s digital transformation and overall service efficiency,” he concluded.
