Nigeria is projected to need nearly 28 million skilled workers with digital expertise by 2030, according to the World Bank. To address this growing demand across various sectors, the government has implemented multiple training initiatives.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has launched the first phase of its "Digital Literacy for All" (DL4ALL) program, targeting the Nigerian informal sector.  

In a social media post on Saturday, the agency announced the partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to equip citizens from all 774 local government areas with basic digital skills.

The DL4ALL program aims to increase digital literacy rates to 70% by 2027. It aligns with NITDA's "Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2024-2027" (SRAP 2.0), which seeks to promote digital transformation and empower Nigerians through technology.

This initial phase will cover twelve states, including the Federal Capital Territory and the states of Kebbi, Jigawa, Yobe, Gombe, Kwara, Ekiti, Osun, Cross River, Bayelsa, Abia, and Ebonyi.

The launch comes at a time of growing demand for digital skills in Sub-Saharan Africa. According to a 2021 World Bank report, Nigeria's workforce will need approximately 28 million digitally skilled workers by 2030.

Adoni Conrad Quenum