ICT Proficiency Becomes Mandatory for Promotion in Abia Civil Service

ICT Proficiency Becomes Mandatory for Promotion in Abia Civil Service

Governor Alex Otti has inaugurated the Abia State Dedicated Internet Access/Wide Area and Managed Network Project to enhance digital governance and improve service delivery.  As part of the initiative, Otti announced that proficiency in information and communication technology (ICT) will now be a prerequisite for career advancement and other professional opportunities within the state’s civil service.

Speaking at the project launch in Umuahia on Friday, the governor emphasized that the first phase will involve the procurement and distribution of thousands of high-performance digital tools across government ministries, departments, and agencies. Additionally, fiber optic cables will be installed within state-owned public institutions to strengthen connectivity…………..READ MORE

Otti highlighted the project’s short- and medium-term objectives, including streamlining bureaucratic processes, reducing turnaround times, improving document archiving and tracking, and enhancing overall efficiency within the civil service.

He also stressed the importance of continuous training and capacity-building for government employees, stating that mastering relevant technology will be essential for professional growth.

“Moving forward, a certain level of technological proficiency will be required for career progression and access to new opportunities in the civil service,” Otti stated. “You must either upskill and advance or risk stagnation. This is not a threat, but rather a call to embrace the evolving digital landscape.”

In his remarks, the Abia State Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojeikere, expressed confidence that the project will significantly enhance service delivery within the state’s civil service once fully implemented.