To curb the rising wave of brain drain affecting Nigeria’s public sector, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has introduced a Digital Competence Framework and Career Progression Model. This initiative aims to strengthen ICT capacity and retain skilled professionals within the civil service.
NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, announced the move as part of broader efforts to make public service roles more attractive and professionally rewarding. He made the statement during the maiden International Civil Service Conference in Abuja, themed “Rejuvenate, Innovate & Accelerate!” The specific session he addressed was titled “Digital Transformation: Digital Skills for Civil Servants – Capacity Gaps and Future Readiness.”
Representing the Director General, Dr. Ahmed Tambawal, Acting Director of the Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department, explained that the initiative, developed in collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, aims to tackle stagnant roles and the underutilisation of digital talent within government institutions.
“Highly skilled professionals are often stuck in roles that don’t reflect their expertise, while their counterparts in the private sector benefit from clear advancement paths and continuous training,” Inuwa stated.
The framework, already being implemented within NITDA, will be extended to other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). It provides structured career pathways and access to globally recognized certifications, enabling civil servants to grow professionally while contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital transformation.
In addition to the framework, NITDA has launched a Digital Champions Programme in partnership with the Office of the Head of Service. This initiative identifies top digital talents across MDAs and equips them with specialized training to lead innovation within their respective organizations.
“These champions will drive digital change from within, promoting efficiency and fostering a culture of innovation across government,” the DG added.
These initiatives come at a crucial time as Nigeria grapples with a mass exodus of skilled professionals—commonly referred to as the “Japa” trend—driven by the pursuit of better career opportunities abroad.
By creating a more dynamic and rewarding work environment for ICT professionals, NITDA aims to reverse this trend and build a competent, future-ready public service. “We are committed to developing a digital civil service that retains talent, encourages growth, and drives national development,” Inuwa affirmed.
Other speakers at the session included PS Faruk Yabo Yusuf (lead speaker), Kevin Cunnington, and Wumi Oghoetuoma-Jolomi. Discussions also centered on the rapidly evolving government landscape, driven by the imperative of digital transformation. This involves not only adopting new technologies but fundamentally reimagining how governments operate, interact with citizens, and deliver services. Success, they noted, hinges on developing key skills within the civil service, robustly assessing capabilities, and making strategic changes to leverage public data effectively for more responsive and personalized outcomes.