By Onwa Ekor, Calabar
In a bid to enhance governance through data-driven decision-making, the Acting governor of Cross River, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has inaugurated the State consultative committee on statistics (SCCS).
The committee saddled with the task of strengthening the state’s statistical system would also improve data accuracy and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Odey enumerated the crucial role of reliable data in shaping economic policies, improving governance, and enhancing citizen well-being.
He highlighted the state’s progress under the People First agenda led by his principal, Prince Bassey Otu, which prioritizes sustainability, accountability, infrastructure development, economic diversification, and social support programs.
“This committee will serve as a vital platform for stakeholders to work together in strengthening our statistical framework.
“I urge members to be bold, innovative, and collaborative in building a world-class data system that will support our state’s development aspirations,” the acting governor said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the State Planning Commission, Dr. Bong Duke, underscored the SCCS’s role in fostering synergy between state and federal agencies, development partners, and key stakeholders.
He noted that the theme of the meeting, ‘Enhancing Data Integration and Interoperability in the Cross-Universal State Statistical System,” seeks to address the importance of modern technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain and big data analytics in improving data accuracy and policy effectiveness.
“The integration and interoperability of data systems are crucial in today’s digital age.
“By ensuring seamless data sharing and standardization, we can enhance the quality of decision-making and governance across the state,” Duke assured.
He further explained that the committee will work closely with the State Planning Commission and the State Bureau of Statistics to address challenges in data harmonization, privacy concerns, and information accessibility.
Continuing, Duke remarked that the goal is to create a secure, transparent, and inclusive data ecosystem that aids in policy development and economic planning.
Cross River Statistician General, Dr. Joseph Adoga, expressed gratitude to the Acting governor for the inauguration of the committee.
He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to producing reliable statistics for evidence-based planning and decision-making.
“This initiative,” Adoga said, “would bring together all stakeholders in the state’s statistical ecosystem while ensuring that the state policies and development strategies are informed by high-quality data.”
The SCCS comprises key government officials, security agencies, and representatives from the private sector and research institutions.
The governor, Prince Bassey Otu is to serve as Chairman; Vice Chairman/CEO of the State Planning Commission as alternate Chairman while Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission, Accountant General of the State, Branch Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service and Branch Head, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as Members.
Other members include, State Commissioner of Police, Branch Director of Statistics, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) State Representative, NNPC Ltd, State Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration Service, Directors of PRS in relevant MDAs, Representative of the Armed Forces, Representative of Research Institutions, Dr. Lionel Effan and Representative of the Organized Private Sector.
