By Nene Rennie Okonya-Chukwu
Nene Okonya-Chukwu discusses the data challenges hindering progress in Nigeria’s public service while sharing her perspective on innovative solutions for digital transformation.
Ever wondered about the untapped potential lying within Nigeria’s public service?
A significant hurdle I’ve faced in my role as a Data Analyst and Engineer in the public service is the shortage of skilled professionals proficient in data analysis, storage, and management across MDAs. Despite the increasing demand for data-driven decision-making, there remains a shortage of qualified data engineers, analysts, scientists, and AI specialists within government agencies and other tech-related fields. This talent scarcity not only limits the capacity to extract value from data but also exacerbates the challenges associated with implementing innovative data-driven solutions. For example, I have observed that the lack of dedicated data analytics teams within government agencies hinders the ability to leverage data effectively for decision-making purposes.
A significant hurdle I’ve faced in my role as a Data Analyst and Engineer in the public service is the shortage of skilled professionals proficient in data analysis, storage, and management across MDAs.
One of the critical obstacles to effective data management within Nigeria’s public service is the skill gap among heads of Planning, Research, Statistics, and ICT Departments. Many individuals in these roles lack the necessary technical skills to handle the complexities of data analysis, management, and policy making.
The main idea or purpose of this article is to shed light on the obstacles hindering the effective utilisation of data in Nigeria’s public service while also recognising the potential for innovation and progress. Additionally, it advocates for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and essential tech skills as a means to enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery within Nigeria’s public service.
Investing in comprehensive training programs tailored to the specific needs of the MDAs is essential for bridging this skills gap and building a proficient workforce capable of maximising the potential of data.
Let’s look at some of the challenges facing data in government ministries, agencies, and parastatals:
Outdated Data Storage Format/Warehousing and Management Practices
In my experience working in Nigeria’s public service, I have encountered persistent challenges related to outdated systems and inadequate tools for data management. Ministries and agencies often struggle with outdated hardware and software, making it difficult to efficiently analyse data. Additionally, budget constraints and bureaucratic obstacles hinder access to modern software solutions. This reliance on outdated systems limits the ability to adopt advanced data analysis techniques, impacting overall effectiveness.
Ministries and agencies often struggle with outdated hardware and software, making it difficult to efficiently analyse data.
Another significant challenge is the lack of standardised data storage formats and policies within government agencies, which leads to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in data management practices. Without clear guidelines, valuable insights may be lost or inaccessible when needed.
Lack of Synergy and Data Accuracy
The absence of synergy between departments and inaccurate data regarding nominal roles of staff further complicates data management efforts within the public service. Without proper coordination and communication channels, data may become fragmented, leading to discrepancies and inconsistencies in reporting. Additionally, discrepancies in nominal roles can hinder workforce planning and resource allocation efforts. Establishing mechanisms for collaboration and ensuring the accuracy of data across departments are crucial steps towards improving data integrity and decision-making within government agencies.
Data Privacy and Security Concerns
As someone deeply involved in Nigeria’s public service, I’ve witnessed firsthand the importance of data privacy and security. Government data holds sensitive information about citizens and national security, making it imperative to prioritise data protection. Compliance with data protection regulations and safeguarding against cybersecurity threats are non-negotiable, with the increasing digitisation of government services and the rise of data repositories, vulnerability to cyberattacks, data breaches, and leaks. Additionally, concerns arise from data protection and hoarding practices, risking unauthorised access or misuse of sensitive information. Strengthening our data policies and implementing robust protection measures are vital steps in ensuring the integrity and security of government data.
Government data holds sensitive information about citizens and national security, making it imperative to prioritise data protection.
Regulatory Complexities
Navigating regulatory intricacies has also posed a considerable challenge for me as a data professional in the public service. Government agencies are subject to numerous data protection laws, privacy regulations, and compliance standards, which can be complex and ever-evolving. Ensuring compliance with these regulations while effectively utilising data for governance purposes requires careful attention to detail. For example, implementing data-sharing initiatives between government agencies must adhere to stringent data protection laws to protect citizens’ privacy rights.
Data Silos and Fragmentation
As a data engineer and analyst working in Nigeria’s public service, a significant challenge I have encountered is fragmented infrastructures. Government ministries and agencies often operate within siloed systems, which complicates and impedes data sharing and collaboration across departments. This fragmentation affects data sharing, collaboration, and makes it difficult to derive actionable insights from available data sources. For example, in my experience, integrating data from various departments has proven to be a cumbersome process, leading to inefficiencies and redundancies in data processing.
Government ministries and agencies often operate within siloed systems, which complicates and impedes data sharing and collaboration across departments.
After reflecting on these challenges, I’ve identified some potential solutions and policy considerations to address and mitigate the issues I’ve outlined:
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Establish data governance frameworks to ensure data quality and integrity, invest in digital workflow management systems, promote data sharing and interoperability of digital tools across different government departments and among agencies, and reengineer processes to align with digital transformation goals.
- Investment in Digital Skills Training: Allocate resources for training programs aimed at upskilling public servants in areas such as data analysis, data reporting, data visualisation, data protection, cloud storage, and data engineering. The shortage of these skilled personnel in civil service poses a significant barrier to digital transformation and efficiency. Without the necessary expertise to collect, analyse, store, and interpret data, government agencies are unable to harness the full potential of technology.
- Collaboration with Tech Industry Partners: Foster partnerships and facilitate collaboration between government agencies, academic institutions, private sector organisations, and tech companies to exchange best practices, share resources, and co-develop innovative solutions.
- Modernisation of Recruitment Practices: Revise recruitment processes to attract top tech talent to the public service , including competitive salaries, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Promotion of Data Literacy: Promote data literacy initiatives among public servants and policymakers to enhance their ability to interpret and utilise data effectively in decision-making processes.
- Address Data Privacy and Security Concerns: Ensure compliance with Nigeria’s data protection regulations and safeguard against cybersecurity threats to address privacy and ethical concerns related to data use.
In conclusion, by addressing these challenges and embracing innovative solutions, one thing becomes abundantly clear – investment in comprehensive training programs is paramount. Bridging the skills gap among data professionals, embracing innovative solutions by the fusion of artificial intelligence and essential tech skills, and fostering a proficient workforce capable of maximising the potential of data is essential for progress. This paves the way for a more efficient, transparent, and data-driven public service in Nigeria, ultimately driving governance and societal advancement.
About the Author
Nene Okonya-Chukwu is a senior government official serving as a Data Analyst and Engineer in the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser to the President of Nigeria. She researches, collects, and designs Big Data systems, leading efforts in the storage and maintenance of scalable data pipelines and infrastructure. With expertise in Data Analysis, Research, Data Collation, Visualisation, and Reporting, Nene utilises advanced statistical and data analytics tools to provide actionable, data-driven solutions that address complex challenges and shape economic policies that drive Nigeria’s development.
A key achievement in Nene’s career is her role as a member of the committee that drafted Nigeria’s national AI strategy document, which outlines policies, investments, and governance structures for advancing the nation’s AI-driven economy. She has also collaborated with a technical team to support the Chief Economic Adviser in policy formulation, contributing to monthly economic updates covering global, regional, and national economic analyses. Through her dedication to excellence, Nene strengthens evidence-based decision-making and strategic analysis, enhancing the effectiveness of policy development and implementation.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Aloinett Advisors. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as an endorsement by Aloinett Advisors of any claims made within the article.
