Katsina State recently hosted the first National Conference of the Year, organized by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The event, held from May 21 to 22 at the Hillside Royal Suite in Katsina City, brought together senior government officials, statisticians, and representatives from civil society organizations to discuss the critical role of data in policymaking and development.
Deputy Governor Faruq Lawal Jobe, representing Governor Dikko Umar Radda, opened the conference by emphasizing the importance of data in formulating effective government policies. “We are convinced that only with good data can we formulate policies that will benefit the people,” Jobe stated. He highlighted the state government’s initiatives, including the establishment of a farm machinery center and the distribution of modern fertilizers to support farmers.
A significant topic of discussion was the NBS’s efforts to estimate the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of each state in Nigeria. NBS CEO Professor Prince Adeyemi Adeniran stressed the importance of this data for investors and policymakers. “Investors need to know the size of each state’s economy so that they can make informed decisions,” he noted, commending Katsina State for its commitment to expanding GDP data through 2024 and 2025.
Professor Saifullah Sani, the Chief Statistician of Katsina State, praised the state government’s support for the statistics department, recalling the successful General Household Survey, a first for Nigeria. He expressed gratitude to the NBS for its partnership in obtaining accurate data, which is vital for informed decision-making.
During the conference, Professor Adeniran announced the launch of the Integrated System of Administrative Statistics (ISAS), a new digital platform aimed at integrating data from various government departments. The initial phase will include 15 departments, with plans for future expansion. Additionally, the NBS will conduct the seventh round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners to assess child welfare and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Deputy Governor Jobe also highlighted the state’s efforts to leverage cultural assets to attract investors, noting discussions with European Union ambassadors and other potential investors. The conference concluded with a call for enhanced collaboration between state and federal statistical agencies to ensure accurate data that will drive national development. “We need to own the data and improve its use to move the country forward,” Professor Adeniran asserted, underscoring Katsina State’s commitment to data-driven governance.