Acting Governor of Cross River State, Peter Odey, has inaugurated the consultative committee on statistics to strengthen the state’s statistical system, improve data accuracy, and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Thursday, the acting governor emphasized 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 Governor Otu , administration which prioritizes sustainability, accountability, infrastructure development, economic diversification, and social support programmes.
“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 stated.
Chairman of the Cross River State Planning Commission, Dr. Bong Duke, underscored the committee’s role in fostering synergy between state and federal agencies, development partners, and key stakeholders.
He stressed the importance of modern technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data analytics in improving data accuracy and policy effectiveness.
Read also: Bio-data of Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (rtd)
“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,” Dr. Duke noted.
He further explained that the committee will work closely with the state planning commission, and the Cross River State Bureau of Statistics to address challenges in data harmonization, privacy concerns, and information accessibility.
“The goal is to create a secure, transparent, and inclusive data ecosystem that aids in policy development and economic planning,” he added.
Statistician General of Cross River State, 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 brings together all stakeholders in the state’s statistical ecosystem, ensuring that our policies and development strategies are informed by high-quality data,” Dr. Adoga stated.
The committee comprises key government officials, security agencies, and representatives from the private sector and research institutions.
Governor Bassey Otu is chairman of the committee, while the vice chairman/CEO of the state planning commission is alternate chairman.
Other members are federal commissioner, National Population Commission, accountant general of the state, representative of the comptroller-general, Nigeria Customs Service, branch head, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), state commissioner of police, branch director of statistics, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and state representative, NNPCL
The rest include 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
With this inauguration, Cross River State is taking a major step towards data-driven governance, ensuring that policymakers, private sector players, and researchers have access to accurate and timely data for sustainable development.
