L-R the Moderator, Mrs Wumi Oghoetuoma-Jolomi,PS Faruk Yabo Yusuf (lead speaker), Dr Ahmed Tambuwal (Rep, DG NITDA) and Kevin Cunnington.
In response to the growing exodus of skilled professionals from Nigeria’s public sector, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has launched a Digital Competence Framework and Career Progression Model aimed at revitalising the civil service and retaining top ICT talent.
Announced at the inaugural International Civil Service Conference in Abuja, the initiative forms part of broader reforms to reposition public service as a competitive, innovation-driven career path. The conference, themed “Rejuvenate, Innovate & Accelerate!”, brought together local and international experts to chart a future-forward vision for Nigeria’s public workforce.
Delivering remarks on behalf of NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the agency’s Acting Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, Dr. Ahmed Tambawal, said the framework is tailored to address the stagnation and underutilisation of digital skills across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
“Public servants with global-level digital skills are often trapped in outdated job roles. Our new model introduces structured progression, ongoing training, and globally recognised certifications—creating a reason for them to stay and grow within government,” Inuwa stated.
The model is already in effect within NITDA and will be extended across the public service in phases. It includes the creation of a Digital Champions Programme, a special initiative that selects and trains top-performing digital talents to lead internal digital innovation within their agencies.
“These champions will spearhead transformation efforts, enhance efficiency, and embed a culture of tech-driven service delivery,” he added.
The reforms come at a critical time. Nigeria continues to witness the “Japa” wave—mass migration of its skilled workforce. By redesigning career development and aligning it with global best practices, NITDA hopes to reposition civil service roles as aspirational and impactful.
Panelists including PS Faruk Yabo Yusuf, Kevin Cunnington, and Wumi Oghoetuoma-Jolomi echoed the urgent need for transformation. They emphasised that beyond technology adoption, governments must rethink how public services are delivered and how talent is nurtured.
Inuwa concluded, “The civil service of the future must be digital-first, talent-driven, and results-oriented. We’re laying the foundation for that transformation, one framework at a time.”
