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In a strategic move to stem the tide of talent migration—popularly known as the ‘Japa syndrome’—the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has unveiled a Digital Competence Framework and Career Progression Model aimed at enhancing ICT capacity and retaining digital talent within Nigeria’s civil service.
The initiative was announced during the maiden edition of the International Civil Service Conference in Abuja, themed “Rejuvenate, Innovate & Accelerate!” Speaking at the session on “Digital Transformation: Digital Skills for Civil Servants – Capacity Gaps and Future Readiness,” the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, highlighted the urgent need to reposition the public sector as a competitive and fulfilling career space for ICT professionals.
Represented by Dr. Ahmed Tambawal, Acting Director of the Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department, Inuwa noted that many highly skilled professionals are currently underutilised in stagnant roles, with limited access to structured growth or recognition. This imbalance, he said, has contributed significantly to the exodus of digital talent from government agencies to the private sector or overseas opportunities.
Developed in partnership with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the framework aims to reverse this trend by creating clear digital career pathways and offering access to globally recognised certifications. The model has already been rolled out within NITDA and is expected to be adopted across other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
As part of the broader initiative, NITDA also launched the Digital Champions Programme, which identifies and empowers top digital talents within MDAs through intensive training. These champions are expected to serve as internal change agents, spearheading innovation and promoting digital service delivery.
“These champions will drive digital transformation from within government, enhancing efficiency and embedding a culture of continuous innovation,” Inuwa stated.
The move comes amid growing concerns about the sustainability of Nigeria’s public service talent pipeline, particularly in the wake of rising emigration among the country’s tech-savvy professionals. By aligning government roles with the expectations of today’s digital workforce, NITDA hopes to build a resilient, future-ready civil service that supports national development through technology.
Other speakers at the session included PS Faruk Yabo Yusuf, Kevin Cunnington, and Wumi Oghoetuoma-Jolomi, who collectively emphasised the need for agile government systems powered by skilled talent, data-driven policymaking, and user-centric service design.
The discussion underscored a central theme: Digital transformation is no longer just about tools—it is about people.With targeted upskilling and institutional reforms, Nigeria’s public sector could become both a digital innovation hub and a talent destination in its own right.
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