FG Utilizes Geo-Spatial Data for Equitable Distribution of Amenities
By Hussaina Yakubu
May 28, 2024
The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is enhancing the use of Geo-Spatial Data to ensure equitable distribution of basic amenities across states.
The ministry is currently conducting sensitization sessions to educate various ministries on utilizing this data for development planning and decision-making.
At a session in Kaduna, Nebolisa Anako, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, highlighted the importance of Geo-Spatial Data,
She explains that, the importance of Geo -spatial data includes spatial information like locations, to support government decisions for development.
Represented by Margret Dibigbo, Assistant Director of National Monitoring and Evaluation, Anako explained that Geo-Spatial information allows the government to visualize data and make informed decisions,
“Regarding resource allocation, infrastructure development, and other developmental issues”she said .
Anako emphasized the Federal Government’s recognition of Geo-Spatial Data’s role in effective planning and decision-making.
According to her ,this knowledge transfer to states aims to foster collaboration between national and sub-national governments to promote national development.
“It has become imperative to involve state governments in institutionalizing the use of spatial evidence for decision-making.
She said , developing capacities to analyze and visualize Geo-Spatial Data is essential for planning and delivering programs under the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2025,” he stated.
She further mentioned that the Federal Ministry is pivotal in developing the National Geo-information Policy and the National Geo-Spatial Data Information (NGDI) bill.
“This initiative aims to create synergy among stakeholders, prevent duplications, consolidate resources to support sub-national governments in using Geo-Spatial Data for planning and project delivery, particularly for equitable distribution of infrastructure in education and health services.
Nazir Haliru, Senior Advisor on Grade III at the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, underscored the importance of data in planning and decision-making, noting that understanding precise locations needing infrastructure is critical.
He pointed out the challenge of data availability and emphasized the need to consolidate all state data on a single platform to address this issue.
Haliru highlighted that other countries have successfully used data to develop solutions to their challenges and expressed the desire to do the same in Nigeria.
On his part ,Bashir Mohammed, Permanent Secretary of the Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission, praised the sensitization workshop’s timing and significance.
He emphasized the importance of synergy between federal and state agencies in accelerating national development, noting that data is crucial for planning and development. NAN