‎In a decisive move to dismantle decades of slow-moving bureaucracy, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has partnered with the Cross River State Government to trigger a digital “operating system upgrade” for the state’s workforce.
‎The launch of the Civil Service Technology Empowerment for Capacity and High Performance (CIVTECH) programme marks a transition from manual processes to a high-velocity digital framework. The initiative will immediately begin upskilling 2,000 civil servants, positioning them as the vanguard of a modern, tech-enabled government.
‎From Red Tape to Real-Time Results
‎Representing NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa, Dr. Aristotle Onumo delivered a blunt assessment of traditional governance: the old ways are no longer fast enough.
‎ “In an era defined by speed and data, traditional bureaucratic processes are no longer sufficient,” Inuwa stated. “Citizens now expect government services to match the seamless efficiency of digital banking and e-commerce.”
‎>
‎The DG framed this shift not merely as a technical update, but as a national competitiveness agenda. With the ICT sector contributing nearly 20% to Nigeria’s real GDP in 2024, the message was clear: a digital civil service is the backbone of a thriving economy.
‎
‎While the goal is a “paperless” Cross River, the focus remains on the people. Key pillars of the transformation include:
‎ * Outcome-Driven Governance: Shifting the focus from following rigid processes to achieving measurable public results.
‎ * Administrative Freedom: Using technology to automate repetitive tasks, allowing civil servants to focus on high-level policy innovation.
‎ * Citizen-Centricity: Ensuring transparency and speed in every interaction between the state and its people.
‎
‎Cross River’s Head of Service, Mr. Orok Okon, and the DG of CRS MEDA, Mr. Great Ogban, reaffirmed that this is the beginning of a total transition. The state is aiming for a fully paperless administration, supported by NITDA’s national framework for cybersecurity, AI adoption, and digital public infrastructure.
‎By investing in human capital rather than just hardware, Cross River is positioning itself at the forefront of Nigeria’s sub-national digital revolution—proving that the “engine room” of government is finally ready for the digital age.