The Cross River State Government has launched a comprehensive digital literacy and capacity-building programme aimed at transforming its civil service into a fully paperless and technology-driven workforce by the end of 2026.
The initiative, known as the Civil Service Technology Empowerment for Capacity and High Performance (CIVTECH) programme, was officially flagged off yesterday in Calabar by Head of Service, Orok Okon, at Prof. Eyo Ita House in Calabar, the State capital.
The Civil Service Technology Empowerment for Capacity and High Performance (CIVTECH) program is designed to equip civil servants with the necessary ICT skills to enhance efficiency, productivity, and service delivery.
The programme covers all cadres of staff across state and local government services, with a phased approach to training.
The training aims to ensure full computer literacy and digital proficiency among civil servants, enabling them to effectively utilise technology in their work.
Findings revealed that the programme is part of the state government’s efforts to transition to e-governance and improve service delivery.
The programme was initiated in collaboration with the Cross River State Medium Enterprise Development Agency (CR-MEDA).
In his remarks the Cross River State Head of Service (HOS), Orok Okon, emphasised the importance of the programme in achieving a paperless civil service and enhancing the efficiency of government operations.
Also speaking, director general of CR-MEDA, Mr. Great Ogban, stated that the programme reflects the governor’s commitment to civil service reform which according to the state governor will enhance the productivity and output of civil servants.
Participants in the programme also praised the governor ‘s initiative describing the initiative as forward-thinking and transformative,with potential benefits for both current and future generations of civil servants.
A participant, Mrs Augustina Akpan, told LEADERSHIP that the programme will continue with subsequent cohorts of civil servants undergoing training.
She said that the state government is expected to monitor the progress of the programme and make necessary adjustments to ensure its success.
“Overall, the CIVTECH program has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Cross River State civil service, and its success could serve as a model for other states in Nigeria,” she maintained.
