FG to train 20 million Nigerians in digital skills by 2030

The Federal Government has set a target to train 20 million Nigerians in digital skills by 2030 as part of efforts to deepen digital inclusion and prepare citizens for the evolving economy.

This follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and Commit Technology & Consult Limited (CTCL) to promote digital literacy and strengthen civic values nationwide.

The agreement, signed on Thursday in Abuja, is designed to integrate digital skills into Nigeria’s national value orientation framework and accelerate the country’s digital transformation agenda.

Speaking on the development, the Director-General of NOA, Mr Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the partnership would drive nationwide digital skills training, certification and civic education, targeting millions of Nigerians across different sectors.

Issa-Onilu, who was represented by Mr David Akoji, Director, Special Duties and States Operations, said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s target of achieving 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027.

He explained that improving digital literacy would enable citizens to participate effectively in the digital economy and enhance national productivity.

According to him, the programme will be implemented across the 36 states and 774 Local Government Areas, with a target of training and certifying at least one million youths annually.

He added that the long-term goal is to produce 20 million digitally literate and civically responsible Nigerians by 2030, in line with national development priorities.

Issa-Onilu further noted that the initiative would integrate digital literacy with civic education and national values, while promoting responsible digital citizenship and ethical use of technology.

He said it would also expand access to globally recognised digital skills certification and improve youth employability, entrepreneurship and productivity.

The NOA boss disclosed that the programme would adopt the Future Proof Economy (FPE) Model, which combines digital skills development with civic responsibility and national orientation.

He added that Digital Literacy Centres would be established in NOA offices nationwide to serve as community hubs for training, certification and public engagement.

On his part, the Executive Chairman of CTCL, Dr Niran Oyekale, said the programme would begin with pilot projects in six states across the six geopolitical zones before a phased nationwide rollout.

He said other components of the initiative include digital learning platforms, nationwide sensitisation campaigns, stakeholder engagement, as well as monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

Oyekale added that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to building a digitally empowered, values-driven and globally competitive society, while supporting youth empowerment and economic growth.