The federal government has inaugurated a Joint Implementation Committee to coordinate a National Digital Literacy Conference and oversee the training and certification of one million Nigerians in digital and emerging skills, a move expected to strengthen the talent pipeline available to small and medium-sized enterprises across the country.
The initiative, unveiled in Abuja at the launch of the ClergyWealth Digital Skills Nigeria SkillUp programme, is part of a broader national target to achieve 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030. Government officials say the programme will help SMEs access a more digitally capable workforce, improve productivity, and expand participation in the digital economy.
Speaking on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, Ibrahim Kana, said the programme aligns with Nigeria’s Digital Transformation Agenda, the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, and the Renewed Hope Agenda. He explained that the Joint Implementation Committee will ensure policy alignment, stakeholder coordination, monitoring, and inclusivity, with a focus on youth, women, underserved communities, and persons with disabilities.
Read also,
- NASENI innovation signals new business opportunities
- YMR fuels youth MSMEs nationwide with ₦24m growth grants
- Nigeria positions economy as SME gateway for Europe Africa trade
- Tax reforms committee engages Ombud to protect SMEs
- Cashew sector could unlock $10bn SME opportunity
Kana clarified that the SkillUp initiative is fully sponsored and implemented by ClergyWealth Cooperative Society Limited, with no financial obligation on the federal government. He noted that the private-sector-led model reflects growing collaboration between government and non-state actors to build skills that directly support business growth, innovation, and job creation within the MSME sector.
The Deputy National Coordinator of ClergyWealth Cooperative Society Limited, Rosemary Osikoya, said the programme is designed to equip participants with practical digital tools, online safety knowledge, digital entrepreneurship skills, and internationally recognised certifications. Each training cycle will last about six months, after which successful participants will receive certification and personal computers to support remote work and enterprise development.
With SMEs increasingly dependent on digital skills for operations, marketing, customer engagement, and access to global markets, the large-scale training programme is expected to lower talent gaps, reduce operating costs, and improve competitiveness for Nigerian small businesses. The Joint Implementation Committee is expected to play a central role in ensuring the programme delivers measurable outcomes for the wider economy as implementation progresses toward 2030.
