NITDA urges Cross River civil servants to embrace digital transformation, excellence

*Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency discloses the Civil Service Technology Empowerment for Capacity and High Performance Programme is designed to equip 2,000 workers with critical digital skills required to drive efficiency, and technology-enabled service delivery

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has advocated a bold transformation of public service from traditional bureaucracy to digital excellence in Nigeria.

ConsumerConnect reports Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, noted this when he participated in the official flag-off of the Civil Service Technology Empowerment for Capacity and High Performance (CIVTECH) Programme, in Cross River State, South-South Nigeria.

Nutrition Security: Beef prices rising due to limited supplies, higher costs for US consumers

The Cross River State Government hosted the programme organised by the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (CRS MEDA),

The agency revealed the initiative was designed to equip 2,000 civil servants with critical digital skills required to drive efficient and technology-enabled service delivery.

Delivering his keynote address, titled “From Bureaucracy to Digital Excellence: Leveraging Technology for a High-Performing Public Service”, Dr. Inuwa emphasised the future of governance depends on the ability of public institutions to embrace digital transformation.

Represented at the forum by was represented by Dr Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnership Department at NITDA, the Chief Executive of the agency stated: “For decades, the public service has been the engine room of national development.

“But in an era defined by speed, data, and innovation, traditional bureaucratic processes are no longer sufficient to meet the expectations of citizens and businesses.”

Inuwa also observed that citizens, these days, expect government services to reflect the efficiency and convenience they experience in digital banking, e-commerce, and mobile platforms.

Highlighting the economic imperative of digitalisation in the country’s economy, the Director-General of NITDA further pointed out that Nigeria’s ICT sector contributed nearly 20 percent to the real GDP 2024.

According to him, this development underscores the growing role of technology as a driver of economic growth and competitiveness.

Stating that digital transformation is no longer just a technology agenda, he said, “It is an economic agenda; it is a governance agenda; and it is a national competitiveness agenda.”

The cost of maintaining outdated bureaucratic systems, Inuwa noted this includes delayed decision-making, inefficiencies, limited transparency, and declining public trust.

Inuwa, however, emphasised that digital excellence provides a pathway to faster service delivery, improved accountability, increased productivity, and enhanced citizen satisfaction.

He explained: “This is the shift from paperwork to performance, from process-driven governance to outcome-driven governance.”

Inuwa stressed that as infrastructure and systems are important, people remain central to institutional transformation.

The Director-General averred: “Technology alone does not transform institutions. People do, and digital excellence requires public servants who are digitally skilled, innovation-driven, solution-oriented, performance-focused, and citizen-centric.”

Assuring participants in the digital programme that technology is not designed to replace public servants but to empower them, Inuwa restated: “Technology frees you from repetitive administrative tasks so you can focus on strategic thinking, policy innovation, and national development.”

He equally enumerated NITDA’s strategic priorities, referencing ongoing efforts at promoting digital literacy and skills development.

He also noted the agency’s move to strengthen digital public infrastructure, automate government processes, enhance cybersecurity and data protection, and encourage the adoption of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence across public institutions.

Commendation for Cross River State on embracing reform, positioning

Inuwa, in his address commended Cross River State for embracing reform and positioning itself at the forefront of sub-national digital transformation.

Digital initiatives like CIVTECH align with the Federal Government’s broader vision of building an efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric public service.

He declared: “The future of governance is digital. Together, we can transform governance. Together, we can transform Nigeria.

“And together, we can build a public service worthy of the digital age.”

Declaring the flag-ff open also, Mr Orok Okon, Cross River State Head of Service (HoS), reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the capacity of its workforce.

Okon said that, in an era defined by rapid technological advancement, public institutions must equip their personnel with the skills and competencies necessary to deliver efficient, technology-enabled services.

He emphasised that investing in human capital is essential not only for improving internal administrative processes but also ensuring that citizens receive timely, transparent and high-quality service across all sectors.

In his welcome address at the programme, Mr. Great Ogban, Director-General of CRS MEDA, expressed appreciation to the Governor and the Head of Service of the Cross River for their consistent commitment to technology-driven workforce development.

Ogban encouraged all shortlisted trainees to show full dedication, emphasising that their participation aligns with the state’s goal of transitioning towards a fully paperless civil service.

The Director-General of CRS MEDA also expressed strong optimism about the state’s growing partnership with NITDA.

He said that such collaboration would play a pivotal role in accelerating digital transformation in Cross River State.

The joint efforts between the state government and NITDA will not only enhance the quality of digital training provided to civil servants, but also to help fast-track the transition toward a more efficient and technology-driven civil service, stated Ogban.

Kindly Share This Story