Nigeria cannot continue to govern 21st-century nation with 20th-century tools — FCC Chair

The Acting Chairman, Federal Character Commission (FCC), Mr Kayode Oladele, says Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) must embrace digital operations to improve efficiency and service delivery.

Oladele said this on Monday at a Workshop and Portal Training for desk officers from MDAs across the country.

The training was organised by the FCC in collaboration with Pyrich Group of Company at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

He said the era of operating with analog tools was over, adding that the Federal Government could no longer govern a 21st-century nation with 20th-century tools.

“This event represents a critical moment in our collective journey to reposition the commission for greater efficiency, transparency and service delivery through the power of digital innovation.

“Today, we are taking a bold step from the analog past to the digital future, from manual records to real-time data, from inefficiency to innovation,” he said.

According to him, the workshop marks the transition from manual record-keeping to real-time data management, as the commission introduces its Online Nominal Roll Portal.

Oladele said the new system was designed to simplify and modernise data submission and management across all MDAs, making processes faster, smarter and more transparent.

He added that the initiative was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises digital transformation of government operations and aims to achieve at least 80 per cent computer literacy among civil servants by 2026.

“By training our senior desk officers today, we are contributing directly to that vision and building a corps of digitally literate civil servants who will drive data-driven governance in Nigeria,” Oladele said.

He explained that the commission’s mandate to promote equity, fairness and inclusiveness in public appointments depended on accurate and credible data from MDAs.

“If the data is inaccurate, our conclusions will be flawed, if it is incomplete, our analysis will be weak.

“Reliable data will help us uphold the spirit of federal balance as envisioned by the Constitution,” he said.

He urged participants to take the training seriously, noting that their diligence and integrity would determine the success of the digital transition.

Oladele commended Pyrich Group of Company for its partnership and technical support, describing the collaboration as a model of public-private synergy that enhances innovation and knowledge transfer.

Earlier, the Director, Management Information System Department, FCC, Mr Paul Abiade, said data had become the new oil of the 21st century, powering decision-making and driving innovation.

He said the new digital portal would replace the manual method of data submission, which often led to delays, inconsistencies and paperwork.

“With this portal, MDAs can now transmit accurate staff information in real time, safely, conveniently and with greater efficiency,” Abiade said.

A participant, Mrs Stephanie Oyovbaire, a desk officer from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), expressed appreciation to the organisers, describing the training as insightful.

“It’s a very good programme. We are expecting that the new nominal roll portal will be more user-friendly and easier for us to use,” she said.

Our correspondent reports that Oladele formally declared the workshop open, reiterating the commission’s commitment to digital innovation and service excellence.