Manny Ita –
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has concluded a specialized digital capacity-building initiative for the Federal Character Commission (FCC), equipping the agency with modern data tools and hardware to transition its oversight functions from manual processes to a digital, data-driven model. As part of the intervention, NITDA donated 35 high-end laptops to the Commission, aimed at enhancing the staff’s ability to monitor over 700 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for compliance with the federal character principle. This move aligns with the Federal Government’s “Digital Literacy for All” (DL4All) program, which targets a 90% digital literacy rate in Nigeria by 2030.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, emphasized that the digital upgrade is critical for ensuring transparent and equitable representation across government institutions. Speaking during the training and presentation ceremony, Inuwa stated, “Strengthening our digital infrastructure will help the Commission improve monitoring, ensure better compliance with the Federal Character principle, and enhance transparency in carrying out our constitutional responsibilities.” He noted that the training for the 35 selected participants focused on data analysis and management, adding, “It’s been a great journey. The training has been very well received, and we are equipping public servants with practical skills to drive inclusive national development.”
Executive Chairman of the FCC, Hon. Ayo Omidiran, who assumed leadership following the Senate’s confirmation in late 2025, described the partnership as a “purposeful intervention” to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and improve institutional efficiency. “The Federal Character Commission supervises and monitors over 700 MDAs nationwide; therefore, strategic collaboration with technology agencies like NITDA will strengthen data-driven governance and transparency,” Omidiran remarked. She further highlighted that the integration of digital solutions would “support fair representation, improve oversight mechanisms, and reinforce national cohesion” by providing real-time dashboards to track state-by-state representation in the public sector.
The initiative is part of a broader roadmap by NITDA to reposition the Nigerian civil service from a traditional structure to a “high-velocity, smart public sector organization.” By replacing manual record-keeping with centralized online portals and automated quota enforcement tools, the FCC aims to mitigate historical challenges related to recruitment imbalances. NITDA reaffirmed its commitment to providing ongoing technical support, with Inuwa concluding that “institutions that adopt modern digital systems are better positioned to deliver measurable results,” and pledging that the agency would continue to share its digital transformation playbook with other government bodies.
