The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), under the leadership of Kashifu Inuwa, has officially launched the Civil Society Technology Empowerment for Capacity & High Performance (CIVTECH) Programme in Cross River State. This initiative is designed to enhance the digital skills of 2,000 civil servants, positioning Cross River as a leader in digital governance and public-sector innovation.

Building Digital Capacity for Governance

The CIVTECH Programme, organized by the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (CRS MEDA), aims to equip civil servants with essential digital competencies. During the flag-off ceremony, the state’s Head of Service, Mr. Orok Okon, emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering an efficient workforce capable of providing technology-enabled services.

“This initiative is a critical step toward modernizing our public service,” Okon stated. The training provided through the CIVTECH Programme is expected to prepare the workforce to navigate a rapidly evolving technological landscape. By focusing on digital skills, Cross River aims to enhance service delivery, making it more responsive to the needs of citizens.

NITDA’s involvement highlights the agency’s dedication to supporting state governments in improving technology adoption. Kashifu Inuwa’s leadership has prioritized empowering local entities to embrace digital transformation, indicating the federal government’s desire to stimulate innovation at all levels of governance.

Transitioning to Digital Excellence

In his keynote speech, delivered by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, the Director of the Stakeholder Management and Partnership Department, NITDA underscored the necessity for Nigeria’s public service to shift “from bureaucracy to digital excellence.” This transition is vital as citizens increasingly expect government services to match the speed and convenience found in digital banking and e-commerce.

Dr. Onumo commended Cross River State for its proactive approach to digital reform. He urged officials to adopt modern tools and technology-driven skills to deliver faster and more reliable public services. His message emphasized that a high-performance public service must leverage technology to ensure accessibility and reliability.

“Technological advancement is not just an option; it’s a necessity for effective governance,” he remarked. The emphasis on this transition aligns with broader national objectives aiming to enhance public sector efficiency.

Embracing Public Sector Innovation

The CIVTECH Programme signifies a commitment to public sector innovation and modernization in Nigeria. By preparing civil servants with the necessary digital skills, the programme addresses the urgent need for a responsive and transparent governance model.

Moreover, NITDA’s initiatives, like CIVTECH, showcase a model that other states in Nigeria may consider. The ripple effect could lead to widespread adoption of digital strategies across the country, furthering Nigeria’s goals of becoming a tech-driven nation.

In conclusion, the launch of the CIVTECH Programme by NITDA under Kashifu Inuwa is a landmark initiative. This is aimed at transforming Cross River State’s public service capabilities. By focusing on digital skills, the programme sets up civil servants for success in a technology-dependent environment.

As Nigeria embraces this shift towards digital excellence, Cross suggests a future where efficient, technology-driven service delivery is not just ideal. This initiative represents a vital step toward elevating public service and enhancing the overall quality of governance in Nigeria.