The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with Huawei Technologies Company Nigeria Limited, has successfully conducted an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training program aimed at enhancing the skills of federal civil servants at the directorate level. This initiative, dubbed “ICT for Change,” has seen 100 civil servants trained in its latest phase, contributing to the government’s overall strategy to improve service delivery through increased technological proficiency within its workforce. The program not only underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering digital literacy among civil servants but also marks a significant step in modernizing service delivery across various ministries, departments, and agencies.
During the closing ceremony of this phase of the program, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, expressed gratitude to Huawei Technologies for its significant role in training over 3,000 civil servants since the inception of this collaboration. His remarks, delivered by Dr. Maurice Mbaeri, the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, highlighted the positive impact of ICT training on civil service capacity building. The essence of this initiative lies in equipping civil servants with the necessary skills to leverage technology effectively, thereby enhancing operational efficiency within government services.
At the event, recognition was given to 16 outstanding participants who excelled in the training program, reflecting the program’s emphasis on excellence and the fruitful engagement between the Federal Government and Huawei. The event not only celebrated the achievements of these individuals but also served as a testament to the potential benefits of sustained collaboration between the private sector and government entities. Akume’s appeal for an extension of this partnership into other critical sectors of the economy indicates the government’s intention to harness ICT’s potential in broader contexts beyond civil service.
Stephen Zou, the Deputy Managing Director of Huawei Technologies, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to furthering civil service training in ICT, emphasizing that the company has successfully trained 100 civil servants in this latest phase. The focus on continuous improvement and knowledge sharing resonates with the company’s broader corporate vision of fostering technological excellence. This commitment highlights the pivotal role that public-private partnerships play in advancing national development goals through skill enhancement and capacity building.
Gratitude was a central theme at the event, with Francis Wasa, the Director of ICT, expressing his thanks to Huawei Technologies for their invaluable contribution to the professional development of civil servants. The acknowledgment from Wasa reflects a critical understanding within the government of the importance of ICT in governance and public administration. As civil servants gain proficiency in relevant technologies, there exists a vital opportunity to enhance public service delivery, promote transparency, and foster greater citizen engagement through e-governance initiatives.
In remarks representing the awardees, Adebayo Adeyemi, the Director of ICT at the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, emphasized the transformative impact of the training on participants’ understanding of e-governance and relevant technological subjects. His assurance that the skills acquired will contribute meaningfully to their professional responsibilities demonstrates an optimistic outlook on the program’s long-term benefits. By investing in the development of its workforce, the Federal Government not only aims to improve individual performance but also strives toward cultivating a more efficient, technology-driven public service that aligns with contemporary global standards.
