By Sulyman Gobir
A stronger reliance on reliable data and innovation has been identified as crucial to addressing Nigeria’s economic and development challenges.
The call was made at the GS26 Academic Conference in Abuja, where academics, technology stakeholders and other participants examined the role of evidence-based decision-making in promoting sustainable national development.
Delivering the keynote address, Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, said reliable and accurate data remains critical to understanding emerging challenges and developing practical solutions.
He urged policymakers and other stakeholders to move beyond assumptions and base their decisions on verifiable data, research and innovation to effectively address the realities confronting the country.
Other speakers at the conference also emphasised the need for government institutions, the private sector and research organisations to strengthen the collection, analysis and utilisation of data.
According to them, improved data management would help identify gaps in Nigeria’s development process while providing a stronger foundation for effective policymaking, accountability and inclusive economic growth.
