The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has introduced a Digital Competence Framework and Career Progression Model designed to strengthen digital capacity and retain competent workers in Nigeria’s civil service.
The NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, who made this disclosure during his address delivered at the maiden International Civil Service Conference in Abuja, said the initiative was part of the agency’s broader efforts to improve the digital capacity of civil servants to make their careers more professionally rewarding and competitive.
Maida, who was represented by the NITDA’s Acting Director of the Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department, Dr. Ahmed Tambuwal, explained that the framework, which was developed in collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, aims to create a dynamic and attractive public sector environment that retains and rewards digital professionals.
Specifically, the techno expert pointed out it would help in tackling some key challenges in the public service such as stagnation, under-utilisation of ICT professionals, and the absence of structured growth paths within ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs)
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The Director-General, who spoke during a session titled “Digital Transformation: Digital Skills for Civil Servants – Capacity Gaps and Future Readiness”, pointed out that hitherto highly skilled professionals remained often stuck in roles that don’t reflect their expertise, while their counterparts in the private sector enjoyed clear advancement and continuous training.
According to him, the newly introduced framework will help address these challenges and enhance the digital skills of the public service workers and position them for global competitiveness wherever they may be operating.
Inuwa, who confirmed that the framework had been adopted within NITDA, said that the framework would be soon be introduced in other MDAs as it offers structured career progression, globally recognised certifications, and development opportunities that will enable public servants to thrive in the evolving digital ecosystem.
To complement the framework’s adoption, he disclosed that the agency had also launched a Digital Champions Programme, in partnership with the Office of the Head of Service, for the identification and training of top ICT professionals across MDAs to lead innovation and transformation efforts within their areas of service.
He said: “These champions will drive digital change internally, improve service delivery, and embed a culture of innovation across government.
“We are committed to building a future-ready civil service that encourages innovation, retains talent, and contributes meaningfully to national development”, Inuwa added.
Experts believe that the latest initiative by the NITDA will help in addressing the risks associated with the massive emigration from the country by skilled professionals in search of better career prospects in foreign countries.
Photo Caption
L-R: The Moderator, Mrs Wumi Oghoetuoma-Jolomi; Lead Speaker, PS Faruk Yabo Yusuf; Representative of the NITDA Director-General, Dr Ahmed Tambuwal; and a discussant Kevin Cunnington during the International Civil Service Conference held in Abuja
