By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
To boost the level of data literacy, increase the knowledge and understanding of Nigeria’s dynamic landscape, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has unveiled the Nigeria Visualise Project.
The project was undertaken in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
In a goodwill message at the unveiling ceremony in Abuja, the Statistician General of the, Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the NBS, Adeyemi Adeniran, said the exercise marked a significant milestone in the collective journey toward creating awareness on data literacy among Nigerians.
Adeniran said the project objectives aligns with the mandate of the NBS, particularly its present drive to enhance indicator means.
He said only when awareness and knowledge of Statistics and data are created that users, particularly public policymakers, can effectively and efficiently engage with the numbers and apply them.
Such application of data, he pointed out, would equally begin to make impactful results in the economy and lives of the citizens.
“This visualisation project therefore, serves as a timely enabler in that regard, offering a veritable tool for showcasing and disseminating Nigeria’s socio-economic data landscape,” Adeniran said.
“It also marks a crucial step forward in the realm of data utilization and interpretation, emphasising the importance of not only collecting data, but also translating it into a meaningful narrative that resonates with allsThe takeholders,” he added.
The NBS, on its part as the national statistical office and Coordinator of the Statistical System in Nigeria, he said stand ready to collaborate and support any venture or initiative that would lead to more data, or the better understanding or reporting of data in the country.
With over 70 percent of indicators usediThe n the visualisation project sourced from NBS, the Statistician General of the Federation said the agency would not only continue to make more and more data available, but would collaborate with all interested partners to see that user demand for information was satisfied to the best of its ability.
The commitment, he assured, was further enshrined in the ongoing effort by the NBS to establish a Data Science and Innovation Lab, as well as a GIS Unit in the agency.
When completed, he said the Data Science and Innovation Lab would adequately enhance and add value to the data produced and disseminate by the NBS.
Also, he said it would serve as a centre to test new methods and techniques in sampling, data collection, analysis, reporting and dissemination.
He commended the UNDP for the project, noting that the collaboration and partnership with the NBS would enhance the capacity to enlighten and educate the people on using data and visual storytelling to craft a narrative that reflects the resilience, diversity, and potential of the nation.
He urged the people to support and embrace the project to help in harnessing the power of data for the collective good of the country at large
He expressed optimism that the project would be a source o iinspiration, fostering a culture of informed decision-making that would contribute to the sustainable development
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, described it as a “novele addition” which would give more access to information about Nigeria especially the youth.
Bagudu explained that Nigeria as a Federation with different economic and cultural opportunities, developmental challenges and mutual suspicion, needs a visualisation that can provide the holistic and comprehensive views about Nigeria.
While congratulating the development partners on the initiative, he noted that Nigeria Visualised would provide richer and better information about Nigeria
In his welcome address, UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Mohamed Yahya, explained that Nigeria Visualised gives everybody the opportunity to understand issues about Nigeria and make informed decisions.
Yahya urged policymakers, researchers, students and stakeholders to explore the interactive platform to interrogate the data and draw insights about Nigeria. READ ALSO:
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He further stated that the Nigeria visualised would provide information about the country’s development trajectory, public opinion, dreams and aspirations of Nigerians.
He described Nigeria Visualised as a way of “democratising access to data,” adding that it would provide more information about Nigeria in various sectors.
In his remarks, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mathias Schmale, underscored the need for countries to continue to track key indicators that outline the progress being made in their countries.
Schmale represented by Mr. Nonso Obikili, pledged the support of the United Nations towards the realisation of Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) and Nigerian Development Agenda in the country, while calling for more innovation in the use of data in Nigeria.
