The Federal Government has intensified its drive to position Nigeria as a global digital powerhouse with the inauguration of a Joint Implementation Committee (JIC) tasked with training and certifying one million citizens in digital literacy and emerging technologies.
The committee was inaugurated on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. Represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, the SGF described the move as a “significant milestone” in the government’s strategic commitment to human capital development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
A Zero-Budget Partnership
In a notable shift in public-sector project delivery, the SGF clarified that the initiative is fully sponsored and implemented by the Clergywealth Cooperative Society Limited. While the Federal Government provides policy alignment and institutional coordination, Akume emphasised that the program carries no financial obligation or budgetary burden for the state.
The initiative is designed as the first phase of a broader “Future Proof Economy” (FPE) model, which aims to eventually scale digital literacy to 100 million Nigerians. This model was officially adopted as the national framework during the 13th National Council on Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) meeting held in December 2025.
Targets and Strategic Roadmap
The committee’s immediate mandate includes:
- Training & Certification: Overseeing the rollout of digital and emerging tech skills to one million Nigerians in the 2026 pilot phase.
- National Conference: Planning and organising the National Digital Literacy Conference, a key forum intended to synchronise efforts between the private sector and government agencies.
- Workforce Readiness: Aligning training modules with the 2030 target of 95% national digital literacy, ensuring the Nigerian workforce is prepared for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Strengthening National Competitiveness
The inauguration follows a series of tech-focused milestones in late 2025, including the integration of digital literacy into the national school curriculum from primary to tertiary levels.
By partnering with cooperative societies and private entities, the government aims to bridge the “digital divide” that has historically limited economic opportunities for those in rural areas and the informal sector. “Digital literacy is the new currency,” the SGF’s representative noted, “and we are ensuring that every Nigerian has the wallet to hold it.”