Nigerian govt to make digital skills mandatory for civil servants

The federal government has announced plans to make digital skills a compulsory requirement for workers in the civil service.

Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi, disclosed this at the Grand Finale of the Tech4Dev Digital for All Challenge 2.0 in Abuja.

Mr Abdullahi, represented by NITDA Director of Stakeholder Management, Aristotle Onumo, said the agency is working with the Civil Service Commission to actualise the initiative.

He also reiterated that the government is integrating digital literacy into school curricula nationwide, from primary to tertiary level.

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“We are integrating digital literacy into school curricula nationwide, from primary to university level, and partnering with the Head of Civil Service to make digital skills a requirement for civil service progression,” he said.

Nigeria has identified the digital economy as one of its major growth drivers. In 2020, the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari launched the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020–2030) to harness digital technologies for economic growth, diversification, job creation, and improved public services.

Civil servants play a central role in implementing government policies, and many believe equipping them with digital skills will improve efficiency, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and enhance service delivery.

Driving national development

Oladiwura Oladepo, co-founder of Tech4Dev, said the initiative aims to deepen digital knowledge and inclusion across society.

She commended government agencies and stakeholders for supporting the programme, noting that it would unlock opportunities for Nigerian youths.

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Digital Access Programme Adviser at the British High Commission, Idongesit Udo, also commended the initiative for boosting global competitiveness, enabling civil servants to deliver better services, and preparing children for early digital engagement.

Participants from all six geopolitical zones competed for top prizes at the event. Miracle Michael emerged as the winner, receiving N15 million. Chinedu Arisa came second with N12.5 million, while Ismail Adam and Uluchi Chibueze won N10 million and N7.5 million respectively.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who presented the awards, hailed the programme for equipping Nigerian youth with future-ready skills.

She stressed that digital literacy is not only critical for job creation but also essential for national development, urging more young people to take advantage of such opportunities.