In a strategic move to address the growing brain drain in Nigeria’s public sector, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has introduced a Digital Competence Framework and Career Progression Model aimed at enhancing ICT capacity and retaining skilled professionals within the civil service.
The initiative was announced by NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, during the maiden International Civil Service Conference held in Abuja. The conference was themed “Rejuvenate, Innovate & Accelerate!” Inuwa’s remarks were delivered by Dr. Ahmed Tambawal, Acting Director of the Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department, during a session titled “Digital Transformation: Digital Skills for Civil Servants – Capacity Gaps and Future Readiness.”
According to Inuwa, the framework was developed in collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to address structural challenges such as 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 noted.
The framework—currently in use at NITDA—is set to be rolled out across other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). It outlines structured career pathways and provides access to globally recognized certifications, enabling civil servants to grow professionally while actively contributing to Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
Complementing this initiative, NITDA has also launched a Digital Champions Programme in partnership with the Office of the Head of Service. This programme identifies top digital talents across MDAs and equips them with specialized training to lead digital innovation in their respective organizations.
“These champions will drive digital change from within, promoting efficiency and fostering a culture of innovation across government,” Inuwa added.
These efforts come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with the so-called “Japa” trend—a wave of emigration by skilled professionals in search of better opportunities abroad. By making civil service roles more dynamic and professionally rewarding, NITDA hopes to stem this exodus 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 notable speakers at the session included Permanent Secretary Faruk Yabo Yusuf (lead speaker), Kevin Cunnington, and Wumi Oghoetuoma-Jolomi. Discussions focused on the evolving role of digital transformation in government, emphasizing the need to not only adopt new technologies but to fundamentally rethink how governments operate, engage citizens, and deliver services.
Panelists highlighted the importance of building key digital skills within the civil service, conducting robust capability assessments, and making strategic reforms to effectively leverage public data for more responsive and personalized governance.
L-R the Moderator, Mrs Wumi Oghoetuoma-Jolomi,PS Faruk Yabo Yusuf (lead speaker), Dr Ahmed Tambuwal (Rep, DG NITDA) and Kevin Cunnington.
