NITDA introduces digital competence framework for talent retention in civil service

*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, explains the agency’s ‘Digital Competence Framework and Career Progression Model’ is to make the public service roles more attractive, professionally rewarding for Nigerians

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In a move to ensure a transition from brain drain to brain gain, 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 country’s Civil Service system.

ConsumerConnect reports NITDA disclosed the ultimate objective of this capacity building model in the Civil Service is to curb the rising wave of brain drain currently affecting the public sector in Nigeria.

Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, stated this during the maiden edition of the International Civil Service Conference, organised by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), in Abuja, FCT.

Inuwa said this during a session titled, “Digital Transformation: Digital Skills for Civil Servants – Capacity Gaps and Future Readiness” of the conference with the theme, “Rejuvenate, Innovate & Accelerate!”

Announcing the initiative, Director-General of NITDA, also affirmed that the measure is part of broader efforts at making the public service roles more attractive and professionally rewarding for Nigerians.

Inuwa: Initiative to address challenge of stagnant roles, talent underutilisation in MDAs

Represented at the forum by Dr. Ahmed Tambawal, Acting Director of the Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department at NITDA, Inuwa further stated that the initiative, developed in collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), aims to tackle the challenge of stagnant roles and the underutilisation of digital talent within government institutions.

He noted: “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.”

The Director-General said the framework, which he noted is already being implemented within NITDA, would be extended to other government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The NITDA Chief Executive explained it also “provides structured career pathways and access to globally recognised certifications, enabling civil servants to grow professionally while contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital transformation.”

Besides, NITDA has launched a Digital Champions Programme in partnership with the Office of the Head of Service.

The Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency stated that the initiative identifies top digital talents across MDAs and equips them with specialised training to lead innovation within their respective organisations.

Inuwa also said: “These champions will drive digital change from within, promoting efficiency and fostering a culture of innovation across government.”

The initiatives, the Director-General noted, 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.

Underlining the strategic essence of the model, he opined that by creating a more dynamic and rewarding work environment for ICT professionals, NITDA aims to reverse this trend 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,” said Inuwa.

Other speakers at the session include PS Faruk Yabo Yusuf (lead speaker), Kevin Cunnington and Wumi Oghoetuoma-Jolomi.

The discussions also centred on the rapidly evolving government landscape, driven by the imperative of digital transformation.

This involves not only adopting new technologies but fundamentally reimagining how governments operate, interact with citizens, and deliver services.

NITDA said success hinges on developing key skills within the civil service, robustly assessing capabilities, and making strategic changes to leverage public data effectively for more responsive and personalised outcomes.