BPSR, IMPR Advocate Adoption of Technology in Public Communication
The Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) and Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR) have jointly advocated for the adoption of technology to enhance public communication and improve service delivery within the public sector.
This call to action was made during a visit by Dr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, the Director-General of BPSR, to the headquarters of IMPR in Abuja, where he met with the publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential.
In his address, Dr. Arabi revealed alarming statistics from a BPSR survey conducted in 2024, which indicated that only about 30% of public servants are proficient in utilizing technology for digitized services. He referenced a recent World Trade Organization (WTO) report predicting that Nigeria, along with three other African countries, could reap a $136 billion economic boon from advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This underscores the pressing need for capacity development programs aimed at equipping public servants with the skills necessary to navigate the evolving technological landscape.
Dr. Arabi emphasized the importance of upskilling and reskilling initiatives to facilitate a smooth transition into a technology-driven workforce. He also highlighted Nigeria’s governmental master plan and AI adoption policy, which seeks to foster inter-agency collaboration to drive initiatives in information and communication technology (ICT) and the digital economy.
The BPSR Director-General stressed the crucial role of effective public communication in the monitoring and management of state and local government resources. He mentioned that the federal government has implemented several policies and reforms aimed at bolstering transparency in public finance, citing the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), and various budget management tools as significant contributors to increased accountability in the public sector.
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Dr. Arabi also discussed the progress made in combating corruption and the necessity of strategic communication programs to keep citizens informed about government initiatives. He announced an upcoming Presidential Conference on Customer Experience, scheduled for June, designed to establish service delivery standards and evaluate government performance. Additionally, he revealed plans for the development of a Reform Tracker App, which will provide real-time updates on government reforms and their progress.
In response, IMPR Chief Executive Officer Mallam Yushau A. Shuaib recognized the transformative potential of technology in the public sector but expressed concerns about job displacement among civil service employees. He underscored the necessity for government funding and supportive policies that would ensure a smooth transition during this technological shift.
While acknowledging the risks of potential job losses, he urged the government to implement initiatives to mitigate these effects and promote rapid adaptation to emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain technology.
Mallam Shuaib also highlighted the vital role of public communication in fostering awareness, enhancing government reputation, and encouraging public engagement in governance. He pointed out the benefits of using virtual meetings and remote work at IMPR’s PRNigeria centers located in Abuja, Kano, and Kwara, which have produced cost savings, improved efficiency, and enhanced brand reputation.
He called for digital training programs that would empower public servants to work remotely and harness advanced technology for improved service delivery.
In conclusion, Mallam Shuaib expressed gratitude for Dr. Arabi’s surprise visit and reaffirmed IMPR’s commitment to advancing technological innovations in public communication.
By PRNigeria
