WPD: NPC, Sokoto State Govt. seek stakeholders’ support on data collection

Dattijo made the call on Saturday in Sokoto at a news conference in commemoration of 2024 World Population Day (WPD) organised by NPC and Sokoto State Government, supported by UN Population Fund (UNFPA).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WPD is annually commemorated on July 11 around the globe to raise awareness of global population issues and to celebrate those who contributed to solving such issues.

The commissioner, represented by NPC state Director, Alhaji Malami Marafa-Gagi, described inclusive population data as crucial to modern demographic planing in the society.

He said modern data gathering tools and Information Technology (IT) are being used to ensure right and inclusive population data collection, and enjoined stakeholders to support the drive at all levels.

He explained that “NPC ensures collaboration with national, state and non governmental agencies on every data collection aspect.

“Nigeria is among the nations that do not have sufficient, comprehensive and inclusive data to evaluate its performance.

“Making civil registration systems functional will guarantee all births and deaths are registered.”

He explained that public criticisms and complains regarding data findings were normal as mechanisms were inplaced to testify its correctness.

He, however,  noted that “even inclusive data is not an end in itself, but a means to informed decision-making, especially to shape policies, programmes, strategies, plans and budgets that promote inclusivity and equality.

“Together with stakeholders, we can forge a future where every person is counted, every community is acknowledged, and every need is addressed.”

He emphasised that the world needs to do more for inclusion to end inequality, to find and grow peace and prosperity, and to weave more threads of hope.

He described the 2024 edition of WPD with theme “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All” as apt.

In her address, the UNFPA Programme Officer, Ms Gloria Enueze, emphasised the need to use new technologies and more granular, as well as timely measurements to bridge the gaps in population data collection.

Enueze said most marginalised communities are under-represented in data,  consequently affecting the lives and well-being of the people.

According to her, UNFPA research shows acute and growing inequalities within and among countries, and that women from racial and ethnic minority groups are nearly invisible in statistics tracking maternal deaths.

She expressed the fund’s commitment to support federal and state governments to harness inclusive data to build resilient systems, close gaps and ensure right representations.

Malam Musa Wamakko, the Director of International Cooperation in Sokoto State, reiterated the state government’s committement to work with national and international agencies to enhance data collection for optimum usage.

Mr Sani Abdullahi, the Sokoto State Statistician-General, said modalities were underway to deploy right technologies and systems toward data collection, preservation and sharing in the state. (NAN)