By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times, May 21, 2025
Katsina State is playing host to the first national conference of the year organized by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), bringing together top government officials from both federal and state levels, data experts, and representatives of civil society organizations to deliberate on the strategic use of data in governance and development planning.
The two-day conference, taking place from May 21 to 22 at the Hillside Royal Suite in Katsina, focuses on enhancing data-driven governance, improving state-level GDP computation, and introducing innovative data collection frameworks.
The event was formally opened by Katsina State Deputy Governor, Faruq Lawal Jobe, who represented Governor Dikko Umar Radda. In his remarks, Jobe emphasized the importance of quality data in formulating effective government policies.
“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.
He further stated that 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, stressed that this initiative is vital for investors and policy makers.
“Investors need to understand the economic strength of each state to make informed decisions,” Adeniran stated, commending Katsina’s commitment to expanding GDP statistics to cover the years 2024 and 2025.
Professor Saifullah Sani, Katsina State’s Chief Statistician, acknowledged the state government's pivotal support to the statistics sector, particularly its funding of the General Household Survey — marking the first time such a survey has been state-sponsored in Nigeria.
He also expressed gratitude to the NBS for its collaboration and support in strengthening the state’s statistical systems and GDP analysis.
Additionally, Professor Adeniran announced the launch of a new digital platform — the Integrated System of Administrative Statistics (ISAS), designed to unify data from various government ministries. Initially, 15 ministries will be connected to the system, with plans for future expansion.
The NBS also disclosed its plan to roll out the seventh round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) in partnership with UNICEF, the European Union, and other development partners. The survey aims to assess Nigeria’s progress in child welfare and the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Deputy Governor Jobe further revealed that the state is leveraging its rich cultural heritage to attract investors. “We recognize the economic value of our cultural assets,” he said, noting the state government’s recent engagements with European Union ambassadors and other potential investors.
The conference concluded with a call for stronger collaboration between federal and state statistical agencies to ensure credible data that supports national development.
“We must build systems that produce and utilize quality data to drive the nation forward,” Professor Adeniran affirmed.
The event underlined Katsina State’s growing role in promoting evidence-based governance and strategic planning through robust data systems.
