FG Announces Initiative to Train 100 Million Nigerians in Digital Skills

The Federal Government has unveiled a far-reaching initiative to train at least 100 million Nigerians in digital literacy, in a major push to strengthen skills development, human capital growth and national digital transformation.

The programme will be implemented in partnership with Clergywealth Cooperative Society Limited, a humanitarian and empowerment-focused cooperative organisation.

The announcement was made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, during the inauguration of the Joint Implementation Committee (JIC) for the National Conference on Digital Literacy and the formal introduction of the Clergywealth Digital Skills Nigeria Initiative.

What the SGF said

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Office of the SGF, Dr Ibrahim Kana, Akume said the initiative is aimed at deepening digital literacy, strengthening Nigeria’s human capital base and promoting inclusive digital transformation.

He noted that the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s Digital Transformation Agenda, the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to Akume, the initiative will be executed under the Future Proof Economy (FPE) Model, which was formally adopted at the 13th National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) in December 2025 as the national framework for digital literacy implementation.

He disclosed that the first phase of the programme will target the training and certification of one million Nigerians.

Akume clarified that although the initiative has full government policy support and institutional backing, it is entirely sponsored and executed by Clergywealth Cooperative Society Limited.

“The Federal Government bears no financial obligation, budgetary provision or funding responsibility for the programme,” he said.

Programme scope

Speaking on the scope of the initiative, Mrs Rosemary Osikoya, Deputy National Coordinator, Admin and Public Communications, Clergywealth, said the programme will cover:

Basic digital literacy

Use of digital tools

Online safety and cybersecurity awareness

Digital entrepreneurship

Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence

She explained that each training batch will run for six months, featuring multiple learning modules, with participants awarded internationally recognised certifications upon completion.

Osikoya added that beneficiaries who successfully complete the training and certification process will be provided with laptop computers to enhance productivity and practical application of skills.

She further announced that the Digital Literacy Academy and the Artisan Development Project will be launched during a two-day National Conference on Digital Literacy, scheduled for January 28 and 29, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of digital skills.

What you should know

Nigeria has rolled out several Federal Government-backed digital skills programmes as part of broader efforts to improve digital literacy and workforce readiness across key sectors of the economy.

The government has also announced plans to train over 200,000 Nigerians in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, positioning the country as a leading hub for AI innovation in Africa.

In addition, Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, recently disclosed that more than 1.1 million residents of Enugu State are expected to benefit from digital skills training by 2027.

A landmark partnership between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is also set to equip seven million Nigerian youths with advanced digital skills, entrepreneurial training and international exposure.