Tinubu declares data Nigeria’s “new oil,” urges MDAs to embrace digital governance and global transparency.
New academy launched to train civil servants, drive secure data use and modern service delivery.
President Bola Tinubu has declared that data is now “the new oil,” underlining its growing value in governance, transparency, and Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
Speaking at the 2025 International Civil Service Conference in Abuja, Tinubu directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritize the collection, protection, and ethical use of data. The president emphasized that this move would not only improve service delivery but also allow Nigeria to meet international data standards and enhance its reputation globally.
“We must let our data speak for us,” Tinubu said. “Publishing verified data locally and sharing it globally will boost transparency and elevate Nigeria’s global standing.”
The president made these remarks as Galaxy Backbone launched its 1Government Cloud Academy a new initiative aimed at training civil servants in essential digital tools for a paperless and efficient public sector. According to Galaxy Backbone, the academy will play a critical role in modernizing government operations and improving collaboration across MDAs.
Tinubu stressed that, unlike crude oil, data increases in value the more it is refined and responsibly used. He called for full compliance with the Nigerian Data Protection Act (2023), emphasizing the importance of data privacy and sovereignty.
The conference drew top government officials, members of the diplomatic community, technology experts, and civil servants. At the heart of discussions was the role of digital transformation in building a responsive and modern civil service.
Mr. Wumi Oghoetuoma, Program Director of the 1Government Cloud initiative, highlighted during a panel session that the success of digital transformation depends not just on tools, but also on trust and user engagement.
“Digital platforms often fail not because they’re ineffective, but because people don’t trust or understand them,” he said. He praised the Office of the Head of Civil Service for championing digital reforms, particularly through initiatives that build both technical and soft skills.
The academy will serve as a central training hub, focusing on certifying government personnel especially ECM (Enterprise Content Management) Project Managers. These officers are positioned as “transformation champions” within their ministries, guiding their colleagues through digital adoption processes.
“This method builds confidence and ensures more civil servants are not left behind,” Oghoetuoma explained. “Even small issues, like bad WiFi or poor communication between staff and IT departments, often derail systems that are otherwise functional.”
To address such challenges, the academy is also introducing specialized IT certification programs to improve departmental responsiveness and collaboration.
According to Oghoetuoma, the core problem isn’t a lack of digital know-how most civil servants are already adept with smartphones and social media. The real hurdles, he said, are mindset, motivation, and ongoing support.
“Digital transformation is about people first, then processes, and finally, technology,” he stated. “With strong personnel and systems already in place, what’s often missing is effective communication to tie everything together.”
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, described Nigeria’s digital reform agenda as a continental model. She pointed to milestones such as the automation of civil service processes via the ECM system, the roll-out of a Performance Management System, and the use of ServiceWise GPT to align roles with national development goals.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, commended the reforms, describing them as “bold and necessary” for Nigeria’s long-term development.
“The success of these initiatives,” Montgomery added, “relies on efficient service delivery and the integrity of the civil service.”
With the launch of the 1Government Cloud Academy and a strong presidential push for digital governance, Nigeria is signaling a clear shift towards smarter, data-driven public service.
