The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat emphasized the importance of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) within the state and country maintaining accurate, readable, and transferable data to enhance the nation’s global image. He made this statement during the “Reconstitution of Human Capital Development 2.0 Lagos State Core Working Group” event at the Deputy Governor’s Office, Round House, Alausa.
Hamzat highlighted the critical role of data collection, collation, and dissemination in driving the effective development of both the state and the nation. He stressed that this initiative is vital for increasing Lagos State’s global visibility and ensuring informed decision-making. By adopting this approach, Lagos can ensure smooth data sharing, foster collaboration, and drive progress across various sectors.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s low rating in human capital development by the World Bank is largely due to a lack of reliable data. According to Hamzat, effective data management is crucial for utilizing data-driven governance to propel the state’s development and improve its global reputation.
Hamzat further explained that when international organizations measure Nigeria, they often focus on data from Lagos, Kano, and occasionally Rivers, which can lead to inaccurate generalizations about the country’s overall situation. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to better harness its data, as the country’s current lack of proper data management leads to lost resources.
The Deputy Governor encouraged the Lagos State Bureau of Statistics to engage more with state ministries to ensure the collection and collation of accurate data. He stressed that the bureau is crucial to achieving the Greater Lagos agenda and the Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat administration’s development goals.
In her remarks, Oreoluwa Finnih, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, stated that the gathering marked a pivotal moment in the government’s commitment to socio-economic transformation through data-driven, people-centered initiatives.
She urged the reconstituted HCD Core Working Group to share a vision of progress, inclusivity, and sustainable impact.
