In a significant step towards modernising the Federal Civil Service, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has launched a comprehensive, service-wide Digital Literacy Action Plan, aimed at equipping all civil servants with the foundational digital skills required to thrive in a 21st-century work environment.
The initiative—flagged off on Wednesday, 10th September 2025—is a flagship reform under Pillar 5 (Digitalisation and Enterprise Content Management) of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP25). It also aligns with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS 2020–2030) and the broader Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which targets 70% digital literacy among Nigerians by 2027.
Representing the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, at the launch event was the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Mrs. Fatima Sugra T. Mahmood. In her remarks, she emphasised that digital literacy is no longer a luxury, but a core competency required to deliver results in the modern public sector.
“We are in the Final Sprint of FCSSIP25. With the deadline of 31st December 2025 for achieving a paperless civil service fast approaching, this programme is not only timely—it is essential,” she stated.
The training is being implemented in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and global technology leader Cisco, using curriculum content based on the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF). The training covers essential digital competencies, cybersecurity awareness, and practical applications of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The Digital Literacy Action Plan mandates participation by all officers in Core MDAs. Beginning with the training of ICT Directors and Digital Literacy Champions, the rollout is structured to cascade learning across departments through a two-month completion timeline. Enrolment is based on officers’ official government email addresses, and progress will be monitored centrally by the OHCSF.
To support continuous learning, the programme will be supplemented by weekly webinars and peer-driven knowledge-sharing sessions across MDAs.
Earlier, the Director General of NITDA, represented by the Acting Director, Digital Literacy and Capability Building, Dr. Tanbowamade, sensitised participants on the national Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, reiterating government’s commitment to the 70% literacy target nationwide.
In line with the spirit of accountability and recognition, the OHCSF with the support of NiTDA, will also introduce a Digital Literacy Award Scheme, to acknowledge MDAs and individuals who demonstrate exceptional participation and commitment to the reform.
The launch of the Digital Literacy Action Plan underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to building a knowledge-based, results-oriented Civil Service that is digitally capable, transparent, and responsive to the needs of Nigerians.uilding a knowledge-based, results-oriented Civil Service that is digitally capable, transparent, and responsive to the needs of Nigerians.
Signed
Mrs. Eno Olotu, mnipr
Director, Information and Public Relations
Date: 11th September 2025
