A Call to Action: Launching the Nigeria multidimensional prosperity index and empowering civil service for a digitally secure future
First Professor of Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management | First African Chartered Manager | UK Digital Journalist | General Evangelist, CAC Nigeria and Overseas.
As Nigeria embarks on a transformative journey of economic reform and digital innovation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is crucial that we aggressively align our policy momentum with robust data-driven insights and comprehensive capacity-building strategies that extend to every corner of our federation.
The time has come for a bold, structured, and inclusive approach to measuring prosperity and empowering our civil service for the digital age. With clear advancements in economic stabilisation, digital infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems, we must seize this opportunity to drive transformative change.
1. The Nigeria Multidimensional Prosperity Index (NMPI): A New National Compass
I urge the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to take a bold step by launching the Nigeria Multidimensional Prosperity Index Survey. This initiative promises to go beyond the standard economic indicators like GDP and inflation, offering a richer, more nuanced understanding of what prosperity truly means for our nation.
Imagine an index that captures the unique experiences of all 774 local governments across Nigeria, shining a light on vital areas such as education, health, digital access, environmental sustainability, infrastructure, and even spiritual well-being. By embracing this comprehensive approach, we can uncover the genuine realities faced by our diverse communities, allowing us to craft more effective policies and foster real progress for every Nigerian. Let’s take this vital step toward a brighter and more prosperous future for all!
We must prioritize digital inclusion and establish robust cybersecurity preparedness as essential pillars of our national resilience and future readiness. By embracing these critical components, we will be fully equipped to confront the challenges that lie ahead.
The insights derived from this index will empower policymakers with essential, localized, and timely information, driving equitable development and impactful interventions. This initiative is strategically crafted to steer national planning, synchronize donor efforts, and attract private sector investment, ensuring that every community is fully engaged in Nigeria’s pursuit of sustainable prosperity.
2. Civil Service Transformation: From Administrative to Adaptive
The civil service is the powerhouse of governance. In an era defined by rapid digital transformation, it is imperative that our public servants transition from traditional administrators to dynamic, digitally adaptive leaders.
We must launch a nationwide Management Development Programme (MDP) for civil servants, beginning at the local government level. This initiative is essential to enhance their skills within the digital economy, and it must integrate critical topics such as Cybersecurity and AI into the core curriculum. By providing civil servants with a robust understanding of these technological advancements, we will empower them to navigate the digital landscape effectively. It’s imperative that they are equipped to identify and leverage both the risks and opportunities that arise in this rapidly evolving environment.
Cultivating a culture of ethical leadership is critical for creating a thriving environment in Nigeria. We must prioritize promoting data literacy among individuals and organizations to empower informed decision-making that fuels progress. Additionally, fostering innovative thinking is absolutely crucial for the nation’s advancement and development. It is imperative that we align these initiatives with global best practices while distinctly adapting them to Nigeria’s unique socio-cultural context to guarantee success.
To maximize our impact and ensure the long-term sustainability of this program, we must actively cultivate strong partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including universities, professional organizations, and international development agencies. By collaborating with these institutions, we will not only pool our resources effectively but also leverage their specialized expertise and extensive networks to drive our initiatives forward.
Engaging with universities allows us to harness cutting-edge research and innovative methodologies, significantly boosting the effectiveness of our program. By partnering with professional organizations, we gain essential industry insights that align our objectives with current best practices. Additionally, collaborating with international development agencies not only expands our reach but also opens up valuable funding opportunities and facilitates crucial knowledge transfer on a global scale.
These alliances will decisively enhance our collective efforts and drive substantial change in the communities we serve, guaranteeing that our initiatives are impactful and sustainable over the long term.
3. Building a Value Chain for National Digital Prosperity
To drive the success of our proposed initiatives, it’s vital to create a robust value chain anchored in several key pillars. By focusing on these foundational elements, we can unlock greater potential and innovation!
Enhancing data infrastructure is crucial and involves improving local capabilities in data collection, storage, and analysis. Utilizing advanced technologies like cloud computing and big data analytics allows for efficient data gathering and secure storage. Investing in training for local personnel and establishing strong data management systems can help communities build a resilient infrastructure that supports informed decision-making and innovation.
Investing in human capital is essential for sustainable growth and innovation. It is crucial to prioritize continuous learning initiatives that empower individuals at all stages of their careers. This includes providing access to training programs that enhance digital skills, which are increasingly important in our technology-driven world. Furthermore, fostering ethical leadership should be a core focus for all levels of government and society. By cultivating leaders who prioritize integrity, transparency, and accountability, we can build a competent and resilient workforce that is prepared to tackle the challenges of the future. Creating a culture that values education and ethical conduct will not only enhance individual capabilities but also drive overall societal progress.
To create a cohesive regulatory environment, it is essential to align national policies with global standards, especially in key areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence governance, and digital rights. This alignment involves harmonizing local regulations with internationally recognized frameworks and best practices to ensure a unified approach to these critical issues. By doing so, countries can enhance their cybersecurity measures, promote responsible AI development and deployment, and safeguard digital rights for all citizens. This coordinated effort not only helps mitigate risks associated with technological advancements but also fosters international collaboration, trust, and accountability in the digital ecosystem.
Essentially, it is vital to weave moral and spiritual values into the fabric of our national development initiatives. This approach ensures that the pursuit of prosperity extends beyond mere material wealth to include profound ethical considerations and a commitment to long-term sustainability. By prioritising values such as integrity, compassion, and social responsibility, we can foster a holistic development model that not only addresses economic growth but also nurtures the well-being of individuals and communities. This integration promotes a future where development efforts are aligned with the principles of justice and equity, ultimately leading to a more balanced and harmonious society that thrives on both prosperity and ethical governance.
Conclusion: A Nation Ready to Rise
Nigeria stands at the exciting beginning of a transformative era—an era where data, digital intelligence, and ethical values can unite to foster a future that is prosperous, secure, and inclusive.
As the first African Professor to hold the global designation of Chartered Manager, the first Professor of Cybersecurity and IT Management, and the General Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), I view this opportunity as more than just a policy initiative; it is a crucial responsibility we owe to future generations.
Let us embrace this pivotal moment together. Let us focus on what truly matters and empower our people to thrive in the age of AI. Together, we can approach this challenge with integrity, visionary thinking, and unwavering faith.
