Mara, NITDA To Train 500,000 Govt Employees In Blockchain Technology

Blockchain-based technology firm, Mara has announced an initiative aimed at training 500,000 government employees on the intricacies of blockchain technology in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Circle, the creator of USDC and Euro Coin.

In a statement, Mara disclosed that it is driving this initiative through its foundation, Mara Foundation adding that the collaboration seeks to equip Nigeria’s workforce with the skills and knowledge necessary to energise the workforce, drive innovation and foster economic growth in the digital age.

The company also said that the first training session, which took place in Abuja, June 1, 2023, marked a significant milestone in this collaborative effort.

Managers from the NITDA participated in the session, which focused on the role of blockchain technology in building Nigeria’s digital economy. Various topics were covered, including “The Role of the Blockchain Industry in Strengthening Nigeria’s Digital Economy” and “Policymaking and Regulations for the Blockchain Industry.”

Deputy manager of the Software Unit in the IT Infrastructure Solutions Department at NITDA, Aishatu Yahaya Umar, expressed gratitude for the training session. She commended Mara for sharing valuable knowledge that will empower NITDA to explore the potentials of blockchain in organisational processes, projects, and regulatory frameworks. Ms. Umar acknowledged Mara’s dedication and collaborative efforts with the government and other stakeholders to drive blockchain technology in Nigeria.

According to her, “Mara, as one of the blockchain stakeholders in Nigeria, through this initiative have proven to be great supporter of driving the Nigeria digital economy agenda and we at NITDA are excited to be partners and beneficiaries of their laudable initiatives. We are convinced that by collaborating with government and other stakeholders within the space, the full adoption of blockchain technology in Nigeria is not far fetched.”

Chi Nnadi, Co-founder and CEO of Mara, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to closely working with the Nigerian government to increase blockchain adoption across the country and the wider African continent. Mr. Nnadi emphasised the belief that empowering Nigeria’s workforce with the skills and knowledge required in the digital age would stimulate innovation and economic growth.

Recognising blockchain’s transformative potential in various sectors, Mr. Nnadi emphasised the importance of equipping government workers with this technology to build a more effective and inclusive government system, as well as to establish better regulations.’’