The National Bureau for Statistics (NBS) has unveiled a new data-driven governance strategies as part of development planning efforts for government at all levels
Katsina State is playing host to the first national conference of the year organised by the Bureau which brought together top government officials from federal and state levels, data experts and representatives of civil society organisations to deliberate on the strategic use of data in governance and development planning.
The two-day conference focused on enhancing data-driven governance, improving state-level GDP computation, and introducing innovative data collection frameworks.
Deputy Governor, Faruq Lawal Jobe, who represented Governor Dikko Umar Radda,.declared the conference open.
Jobe emphasized the importance of quality data in formulating effective government policies.
He said: “We are confident that only through reliable data can we develop policies that truly benefit our citizens,” he said, highlighting achievements of the Radda administration including the establishment of agricultural mechanization centers and the distribution of subsidized fertilizers to farmers.
”The state government is working closely with farmers to transform the agricultural sector and promote environmental sustainability, with the goal of achieving food security, reducing poverty, and creating jobs.
‘One of the key highlights of the conference was the NBS’s efforts to compute state-level Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”
The Statistician-General of the Federation, Professor Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, also stressed that this initiative is vital for investors and policy makers.