United Nations and Philippine government reiterate the importance of data in decision-making
The need to prioritize data visualization in decision-making processes has been reiterated by the United Nations (UN), the Federal Government, and the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
These organizations expressed the importance of data in the decision-making process at the official launch of the Nigeria Visualization Project in Abuja on Monday night.
The program was put together by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and the NBS.
Speaking at the launch, UN Resident Humanitarian Coordinator Matthias Sumer said the project has become important towards the full implementation of the Nigerian government’s policies and programs.
Sumer, who was represented by Nonso Obikili, UN Development Coordinator and economist, said: We need to continue to track the indicators.”
“We are depressed and need to accelerate. The United Nations is committed to supporting governments in their on-track reporting on the SDGs through the instruments of the SDG Framework.”
He added, “Too often, data gets lost on a shelf in vain. That’s why this platform is so important to put a human face on it and help people engage with it.” Ta.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, said there is no doubt that the project will provide more access and information to Nigerians.
He said: “Sometimes we have different opportunities, development challenges and sometimes mutual mistrust, and we present them in a way that people know.
“Visualization gives you a complete picture of your country, its development challenges, and its region’s cultural opportunities.
“When we tackle issues, especially climate change, many people can’t empathize with other people’s challenges because they don’t know.
“This project will be an important tool for both Nigerians and non-Nigerians to get to know Nigeria better.”
Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development, who also spoke, commended UNDP and NBS for their efforts in advancing data utilization and visualization techniques.
She said the project, which includes more than 40 visualizations, will transform the space, provide much-needed data in the country and change the narrative that has existed for many years.
She said: “Nigeria’s Visual Web Her platform is a beacon of progress that provides rich visual stories about our country and its diverse population.
“The focus is on geography, climate, economics and demographics, among others, with an emphasis on addressing socio-economic, cultural and ecological dynamics.
“Our purpose to democratize access to data aligns seamlessly with our shared vision for informed decision-making and sustainable progress.”
Mr. Semiu Adeniran, NBS Statistics Director and Chief Executive Officer, said the collaboration with UNDP and the Ministry marks a new turning point in population data collection.
He said, “This resonates with our current efforts to enhance our data reporting and visualization capabilities to facilitate data understanding and assimilation among users.”
Meanwhile, UNDP Resident Representative Mohamed Yahya said the initiative aims to increase understanding of data visualization.
“Visualizing data in an accessible way allows everyone to understand what they are seeing and make decisions based on it,” he said.
Source: dailypost.ng