Digitally skilled public sector workers crucial for reforms progress — NITDA

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has emphasized that building a digitally skilled public sector workforce is crucial for driving government reforms and expanding Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption.

Speaking at a Digital Skills Masterclass organized by NITDA in collaboration with Meta, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, noted that technology alone cannot transform institutions without investment in human capital. 

Represented by the Director of Digital Development Services, Olawumi Dejo, Inuwa stated that real digital transformation requires civil servants who can leverage emerging technologies to streamline processes and improve service delivery.

Inuwa highlighted the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), which establishes a standardized roadmap for digital skills across six key areas: device and software operations, data literacy, content creation, communication, digital safety, and problem-solving.

He disclosed that NITDA, alongside the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, has already trained over 53,000 civil servants. He urged the participants to act as change agents by cascading the knowledge to their colleagues.

Also speaking, Meta’s Public Policy Lead for Anglophone West Africa, Victoria Oloni, reaffirmed Meta’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transition. 

While noting that the public service has made progress in adopting digital tools, Oloni emphasized the need to shift from isolated technology use to institution-wide digital transformation to build a more efficient and citizen-centered public service.