The Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF), George Akume, has emphasized the importance of accurate information and data for the effective planning of Nigeria’s economic and social development. Specifically, Akume highlighted the role of accurate data in creating a national budget that would have a meaningful impact at the grassroots level.
Speaking in Enugu at the South Geopolitical Zone stakeholders’ sensitization meeting on the activation and implementation of the Local Government Proof of Address (POA) System, Akume, represented by the Director of Political and Constitutional Matters in his office, Mrs. Helen Garpiya, explained that Nigeria’s budgeting process has long struggled to reach the grassroots due to inaccurate data. He assured that with the introduction of the POA system, proper data would be collected to facilitate effective planning and national growth.
“When planning, it is crucial to know the exact number of people in places like Enugu so that we can budget and allocate amenities appropriately for the grassroots,” Akume stated. “For a long time, we have been budgeting, but it hasn’t truly reached the people. With the POA, we will ensure we have accurate data, making this a step toward achieving proper data for Nigeria.”
He added that the POA system would provide the exact population figures of Nigerians and track foreigners entering the country, enhancing the accuracy of planning and resource allocation.
In his address, the National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Bello Lawal, underscored that the POA system would help the country gather reliable statistics necessary for economic growth. Lawal, who was represented by the Enugu State ALGON Chairman, Sydney Edeh, emphasized that the initiative was not just a bureaucratic formality but a crucial step toward getting it right.
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, expressed that proper implementation of the local government POA system would significantly reduce insecurity, as it would help in planning and executing developmental projects across the South East.
Mbah, represented by Ifeanyi Agujobi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, stated that his administration had already partially embraced the initiative by establishing a community-based rural demarcation system.
