By Emmanuella Oghenetega
With the Japa Trend of skilled professionals, in pursuit for better career opportunities abroad, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has introduced a Digital Competence Framework and Career Progression Model, to strengthen ICT capacity and retain skilled professionals within the civil service.
Revealing, that the move is part of a broader effort to make public service roles more attractive and professionally rewarding.
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), expounded, that the initiative—developed in collaboration with the OHCSF, aims to tackle the challenge of stagnant roles and the under-utilisation of digital talent within government institutions.
Stating that, “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.”
At the maiden edition of the International Civil Service Conference in Abuja, organised by the OHCSF, Kashifu Inuwa, the DG NITDA, at a session titled “Digital Transformation: Digital Skills for Civil Servants – Capacity Gaps and Future Readiness,” was represented by Ahmed Tambawal, Acting Director of the Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department.
The event had the theme “Rejuvenate, Innovate & Accelerate!”,
He stated, that the framework, which has already being implemented within NITDA, will be extended to other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as it provides structured career pathways and access to globally recognised certifications, enabling civil servants to grow professionally while contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital transformation.
In addition, NITDA also launched a Digital Champions Programme in partnership with the OHCSF. An initiative which identifies top digital talents across MDAs and equips them with specialised training to lead innovation within their respective organisations.
The initiatives come at a time when the country is grappling with a mass exodus of skilled professionals—commonly referred to as the “Japa” trend—driven by the pursuit of better career opportunities abroad.
