NITDA, Salaries Commission to Deepen Digital Transformation, Integrate AI into Wage Administration
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission have agreed to explore deeper collaboration on digital transformation, data management and capacity building to improve public sector efficiency and strengthen evidence-based wage policy in Nigeria.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, made this known when the Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Major General Junaid Sani Bindawa (Rtd.), led a delegation of the commission on a courtesy visit to the agency’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.
Inuwa said the two institutions had maintained a longstanding partnership, expressing NITDA’s readiness to provide further support to the commission as it seeks to modernise its operations and improve service delivery through technology.
He stressed that effective digital transformation goes beyond procuring computers and other technological equipment, noting that it requires a comprehensive approach that integrates people, processes and technology.
According to him, institutions must invest in developing the capacity of their workforce and improving internal processes to maximise the benefits of digital tools and achieve their organisational objectives.
“What you are looking for is not just laptops or computers. You are looking for partners to go through this transformation with,” he said.
The NITDA chief explained that while technology remains an important component of digital transformation, people and processes are equally critical to achieving sustainable results.
He said the agency would work with the commission to identify how technology could support its operational needs, particularly in building staff capacity in digital skills, data analytics and cybersecurity.
Inuwa also urged the commission to incorporate artificial intelligence into its digital transformation plans, describing AI as a powerful tool for enhancing productivity and improving organisational performance.
“I want to add AI to it because anything you are doing today, AI can be a powerful tool that can help you to enhance your productivity,” he said.
Earlier, Bindawa expressed appreciation to NITDA for its longstanding support and the cordial relationship between the two institutions, describing the visit as a recognition of the agency’s contributions to Nigeria’s digital economy.
He commended NITDA’s work in digital literacy, information technology standards, data protection and e-government, noting that the commission had benefited from the agency’s interventions and hoped to sustain the partnership.
The chairman explained that the commission’s mandate to advise the government on national income policy and determine remuneration across the public service depends significantly on access to accurate, timely and secure data.
He emphasised that sound wage and salary policies must be based on reliable information rather than assumptions, making digital transformation essential to the commission’s ability to discharge its responsibilities effectively.
“Sound wage policy cannot be built on guesswork. This is why we are here,” Bindawa said.
He identified the digitalisation of the commission’s processes, including salary structure administration, job evaluation and productivity measurement, as priority areas for collaboration with NITDA in line with the agency’s e-government standards.
Other areas include developing a reliable wage and income database to support evidence-based policy recommendations to the government, as well as training commission staff in digital skills, data analytics and cybersecurity.
Bindawa added that strengthening cybersecurity and data protection capabilities was particularly important because the commission handles sensitive remuneration information that must be adequately safeguarded.
He expressed confidence that an expanded partnership with NITDA would improve the commission’s operational efficiency, strengthen its data management systems and enhance its capacity to provide reliable advice on salaries, incomes and wages across the public service.
The proposed collaboration underscores the growing importance of digital technologies, secure data systems and workforce development in improving public administration and supporting evidence-based policymaking in Nigeria.
