FG to Deploy AI, Blockchain Across MDAs to Revolutionise....

Samuel Mobolaji

The Nigerian government is set to transform public service delivery by deploying cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Blockchain, and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) across its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

This bold initiative aims to simplify processes, safeguard sensitive data, and optimise resource use for enhanced governance.

Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dr Dasuki Arabi, revealed the plan at the 2025 ITGOV Conference, underscoring the government’s commitment to harnessing emerging technologies.

Represented by Mr. Sulola Johnson, BPSR’s Director of Strategy, Innovation, and Research, he announced ongoing collaborations with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to integrate Distributed Ledger Technologies into government operations.

Reflecting on past achievements, Arabi highlighted Nigeria’s strategic investments over the last decade in automation systems such as the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), Treasury Single Account (TSA), and Bank Verification Number (BVN) integration. These platforms have saved billions in leakages while boosting transparency and accountability.

However, with the world shifting toward intelligent and interconnected automation, Nigeria aims to deepen its digital transformation. The Bureau has pioneered digital collaboration through initiatives like using the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database as a unified identity verification platform and integrating the National Identification Number (NIN) into the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration system, streamlining cross-agency services.

Recognising that technology alone cannot drive transformation, the government plans to empower its workforce by training 500,000 public servants in digital literacy and emerging technologies, ensuring sustainable management and innovation.

Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, via his Technical Assistant, Dr Femi Adeluyi, emphasised that digital transformation is essential for Nigeria’s future.

He pointed to global digital leaders like Estonia, South Korea, and the UAE as models for inclusive, data-driven governance enabled by broadband, cloud computing, analytics, and strong cybersecurity frameworks. NITDA’s Digital Transformation Plans (DTPs), aligned with the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 (SRAP 2023–2027), will guide this modernisation across MDAs.

The conference, organised by Tranter IT in partnership with global IT leader ManageEngine, also featured calls for intelligent IT management to enhance government performance.

Executive Director of Tranter Group, Melanie Ayoola, affirmed their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s public sector digitally, while ManageEngine’s West Africa Head, Srinivasan Rajasekar, emphasised the crucial role of digital infrastructure in improving transparency, operational efficiency, and citizen satisfaction.

This sweeping initiative signals a new era in Nigerian governance, where innovation and technology will be at the forefront of delivering more responsive, efficient, and accountable public services.