5th September, 2024
The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with its development partners, has called for comprehensive data collection methods that promote equity and resilience, essential for sustainable development and population growth.
This appeal was made at a forum organized by the Lagos Bureau of Statistics under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget to commemorate the 2024 World Population Day, themed “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All.”
The event took place at the Lagos Chambers of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), CBD-Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday.
World Population Day, celebrated annually on July 11 by the United Nations, highlights the importance of investing in data collection for addressing global challenges.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that accurate data collection is vital for understanding problems, developing tailored solutions, and driving progress.
Representatives from key organizations, including the National Population Commission (NPC), UNFPA, UNICEF, LACSOP (Lagos State Civil Society Partnership), and academic institutions, shared the consensus that data collection must reflect inclusiveness, fairness, and the capacity to navigate challenges.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Emmanuel Olajide, Coordinating Director of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, stressed the importance of inclusive data.
He stated, “In a world where data drives decision-making, it is crucial that we prioritize inclusivity to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and valued. Let’s unlock the power of inclusive data to break down barriers, challenge biases, inform policy decisions, drive innovation, and foster global collaboration.”
He also called for better management of population growth by empowering women and communities, key drivers of sustainable development.
In his presentation, Dr. Omolaso Omosehin, a retired head of the Lagos Liaison Office, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), discussed the processes for inclusive data collection that promote fairness and resilience.
He emphasized that, “As we accelerate efforts towards achieving the SDGs by 2030, we must ensure that no one is left behind. Data collection and analysis are essential for even development, skill-building, and resource allocation.”
Mr. Bamidele Sadiku, Lagos State Director of the National Population Commission (NPC), expressed the Commission’s readiness to conduct a national census for sustainable development. He noted that demonstration exercises had already been carried out in parts of the country, assuring that all institutions and populations would be enumerated.
“For inclusiveness, the census will cover regular households, institutional households (such as hospitals and prisons), and special populations, including transient individuals like those delayed in transit. Enumeration will also extend to market places, motor parks, and areas where homeless persons reside,” he said.
Josephine Ekhator, a representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Nigeria, reaffirmed the agency’s support for Lagos State in adopting inclusive data practices.
She emphasized that inclusive data is essential for informed decision-making, policy development, and budget planning that fosters equity and inclusivity.
