By Abdullahi Idris, Bauchi The Bauchi State Government, through its Bureau of Statistics (BBS), has reaffirmed its commitment to data-driv...
By Abdullahi Idris, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government, through its Bureau of Statistics (BBS), has reaffirmed its commitment to data-driven governance, emphasizing the critical role of accurate and timely data in effective policy-making and development planning.
This assurance was given by Mrs. Esther Gagara, the Overseeing Statistician General of the State Bureau of Statistics, during a meeting of the State Consultative Committee on Statistics (SCCS) held in Bauchi. The meeting was supported by CARE International under the Catalyzing Strengthened Policy Action for Healthy Diets and Resilience (CASCADE) project.
Held under the theme “The Role of Bauchi Bureau of Statistics and SCCS in Promoting Inclusiveness of SDGs Indicators in Bauchi Projects,” the gathering brought together key stakeholders in the state's data and development ecosystem.
Mrs. Gagara underscored the increasing importance of statistics in driving inclusive and sustainable development, noting that credible data is essential for policy formulation, strategic planning, and the implementation of impactful projects.
She added that the SCCS plays a vital role in harmonizing data collection and analysis efforts across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), thereby promoting consistency, collaboration, and reducing duplication of efforts.
“In an era where accountability and results matter, data is no longer optional—it is foundational,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, Professor Abubakar Ahmed of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, emphasized the role of data in promoting inclusiveness, particularly in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Data helps identify inequalities and disparities within communities, allowing policymakers to design targeted interventions. It enables evidence-based decision-making to ensure development initiatives are inclusive and effective,” he explained.
Mr. Nelson Ngero, a representative of the CASCADE project, advocated for improved data usage in tracking nutrition and health resilience. He outlined several strategies, including ensuring the availability of accurate, timely, and detailed data on key health and nutrition indicators.
On his part, Mr. Abduljabbar Jimoh, the State Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Bauchi, reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to supporting data coordination and utilization across all SCCS members.
“The NBS remains fully committed to fostering a data-driven development culture that is inclusive, transparent, and impactful,” he said.
The consultative meeting concluded with a renewed pledge by stakeholders to deepen inter-agency collaboration and promote the effective use of statistics in governance and development planning across Bauchi State.
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