In a strategic move to curb the growing brain drain among Nigeria’s ICT professionals, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has introduced a Digital Competence Framework and Career Progression Model designed to strengthen digital capacity and retain top talent within the civil service.
Speaking at the maiden International Civil Service Conference in Abuja, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to make public service careers more professionally rewarding and competitive.
Represented by Dr. Ahmed Tambawal, Acting Director of the Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department, Inuwa explained that the framework developed in collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation addresses key challenges around stagnation, underutilisation of ICT professionals, and the absence of structured growth paths within government institutions.
“Highly skilled professionals are often stuck in roles that don’t reflect their expertise, while their counterparts in the private sector enjoy clear advancement and continuous training,” Inuwa said during a session titled “Digital Transformation: Digital Skills for Civil Servants – Capacity Gaps and Future Readiness.”
Already adopted within NITDA, the framework is set to be rolled out across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). It offers structured career progression, globally recognised certifications, and development opportunities that will enable public servants to thrive in the evolving digital ecosystem.
To further deepen impact, NITDA has also launched a Digital Champions Programme in partnership with the Office of the Head of Service. The initiative identified and trained top ICT talent across MDAs to lead innovation and transformation efforts from within.
“These champions will drive digital change internally, improve service delivery, and embed a culture of innovation across government,” the DG stated.
The move comes amid Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with the “Japa” phenomenon a wave of emigration by skilled professionals in search of better career prospects abroad. According to NITDA, the new framework aims to create a dynamic and attractive public sector environment that retains and rewards digital professionals.
“We are committed to building a future-ready civil service that encourages innovation, retains talent, and contributes meaningfully to national development,” Inuwa added.
Other speakers at the session included Permanent Secretary Faruk Yabo Yusuf (lead speaker), Kevin Cunnington, and Wumi Oghoetuoma-Jolomi, who explored the importance of aligning digital skills with the demands of a rapidly evolving government landscape. Discussions centred on how civil services globally must reimagine governance, optimise data use, and prioritise workforce readiness in an increasingly digital world.
