INCLUSIVE DATA, TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT – LASG 

The Lagos State government and its development partners have canvassed for an all-encompassing data collection that would ensure equity and resilience for sustainable development and population growth.

This was made known at a forum organised by the Lagos Bureau of Statistics under the aegis of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget to mark the Year 2024 World Population Day with the theme “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All”. The event was held recently at the Lagos Chambers of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), CBD – Alausa, Ikeja.

The forum, which had representatives from the National Population Commission (NPC), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Lagos State Civil Society Partnership (LACSOP) and Academicians in attendance, shared the same view that collection of data should show inclusiveness, fairness and capacity to navigate tough times.

In his welcome address, Mr. Emmanuel Olajide, the Coordinating Director of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, who was represented by Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, Director, Economic Intelligence Department said, “In a world where data drives decision-making, it is crucial that we prioritise inclusivity to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and valued.
“Let us unlock the power of inclusive data to break down barriers, challenge biases, inform data-driven policy decisions, drive innovation and entrepreneurship and also foster global collaboration and knowledge-sharing. For a greener, cleaner world, let’s manage our numbers wisely. Empower women, empower communities, the key to sustainable population growth”, he stated.

After his presentation, taking the forum through processes and steps to guide in collection and gathering of data for development sustainability, Dr. Omolaso Omosehin, a retired Head of Lagos Liaison Office, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said in charting a way forward for an inclusive development, it is pertinent to carefully plan and execute data collection and analysis, to provide needed information for even development in fairness to all, build skills and pre-position resources for resilience.

“As we accelerate processes and interventions for the achievement of the SDGs by or before 2030, let us make sure that no one is left behind”, he added, 
The State Director of the National Population Commission (NPC) in Lagos, Mr. Bamidele Sadiku underlined the readiness of the Commission to carry out census in the nation to possess data for sustainable development, stating that demonstration exercises had been carried out in some parts of the country.

While assuring that every institution would be enumerated, he stressed that plans are already in top gear with the aid of technological devices to ensure every area and person is captured.

His words, “For inclusiveness, the census will consider everybody. It will take place in regular households, and institutional households (hospitals, prison yards, hotels). A special Population, transient people, moving in or out of Nigeria will be counted as a result of their flight being cancelled due to census then as the Airport will be an enumeration Area. Marketplaces, Motor parks will also be counted and even spots where there are homeless persons”.

Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Nigeria, Josephine Ekhator said the agency supports the Lagos State government in embracing the power of inclusive data, especially as it is needed for informed decision-making, policies, programmes, projects and budget that promotes inclusivity and equity.