NITDA trains 1,000 Nigerian Civil Servants in IT project clearance procedures

*The National Information Technology Development Agency days the Information Technology empowerment initiative is in consonance with the presidential priority areas of reforming the Nigerian economy for ‘sustained inclusive growth and improving governance for effective service delivery’

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has commenced a training programme for 1,000 Nigerian Civil Servants from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on Information Technology (IT) Project Clearance processes in creating a digitally viable workforce in the public sector.

ConsumerConnect reports NITDA disclosed the initiative is in line with the presidential priority areas of reforming the country’s economy for sustained inclusive growth and improving governance for effective service delivery,

The IT sector regulatory agency also emphasised that the effort is geared towards achieving the desired digital transformation mandate of the present administration.

The agency also noted that the opening of the capacity building programme for ICT, Budget, Finance and Planning Officers of Federal Public Institutions, held at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), in Kubwa, Abuja, FCT.

It stated the training programme would be conducted in batches to equip participants with essential knowledge, skills, and best practices in service delivery to Nigerians.

NITDA further indicated the initiative “aims to enhance collaborative planning, budgeting, and management of ICT system acquisition, deployment, operation, and sustainability in the public sector, ensuring a whole-of-government approach to digital projects.”

Strategic planning in enhancing public sector service delivery, by Inuwa

Earlier in his opening remark with the theme, “Empowering Public Sector ICT Excellence Through Strategic Planning and Effective Funding”, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, emphasised the critical role of strategic planning and funding in enhancing public sector service delivery.

Represented at the programme by Mr. Oladejo Olawunmi, Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions Department at NITDA, Inuwa reiterated the agency’s commitment to digital transformation through the implementation of its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0.

The Director-General also underlined the importance of equipping public sector employees with the necessary tools and knowledge to drive digital initiatives effectively.

He disclosed that NITDA is spearheading digital transformation efforts through its SRAP 2.0 in the Nigeria Digital Economy.

“This plan aligns with national priorities and aligns with our strategic pillars such as talent development, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, innovation, and policy-enablement to foster a sustainable digital economy,” stated he.

On challenges of digital transformation in public sector

Inuwa, however, acknowledged the challenges hindering digital transformation in the public sector to include inadequate collaboration among stakeholders, short-term project planning, poor ICT infrastructure maintenance, software licensing issues, and insufficient capacity-building.

The NITDA Chief said these identified barriers had contributed to suboptimal outcomes in government-led digital initiatives in the West African country.

He equally noted that most project stagnations or failures could be attributed to inadequate integration of modern trends, such as cloud computing, remote support, and enterprise network services into project planning.

Inuwa averred that the agency has strengthened its IT projects clearance process to ensure that digital initiatives are well-conceptualised, planned, and executed in alignment with intended objectives.

He said: “While there have been notable achievements, only 12 percent of Federal Public Institutions, FPIs comply with the process, necessitating a whole-of-government approach for full alignment with national digital transformation goals.”

Emphasising that effective resource allocation ensures initiatives are adequately funded and properly executed to deliver real value to the public, the Chief Executive of the agency, therefore, urged the participants in the IT training programme to manage public funds prudently and prioritise projects that yield measurable outcomes. Inuwa noted:

“We will explore how to optimise budgeting processes, improve financial oversight, and build systems that ensure transparency and accountability.

“This event has been structured with your professional development in mind, with sessions led by experts in the field, interactive discussions, and practical case studies that will provide you with actionable knowledge you can apply in your respective roles.”

On critical role of ICT project, finance and planning

Highlighting the critical role of ICT, project, finance, and planning officers, Inuwa admonished participants to take full advantage of the program’s sessions, designed to strengthen their expertise in strategic planning, monitoring, evaluation, and financial management.

The Director-General of NITDA said: “Each of you plays a crucial role in the management and distribution of resources, the planning and implementation of programmes, and ultimately the delivery of services to our communities.

“Together, you form the backbone of efficient and transparent governance.”