Gombe Gets Schooled on Geospatial Data: Feds Push for Smarter Development Decisions
On Thursday, the Federal Government embarked on the sensitization of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Gombe State on the use of geo-spatial data for development, planning, and decision-making.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that geospatial data, or geodata, is data that includes information related to locations on the Earth’s surface.
Speaking at the workshop, organised by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Nebolisa Anako, said the workshop was aimed at enlightening participants on the significance of using geospatial data in their development and planning.
Represented by the Head of Evaluation in the ministry, Gomina Mohammed, Anako further said that using geo-spatial information, the government would ensure equitable distribution of resources, infrastructure development, and good decisions on developmental matters.
He said that the Federal Government had adopted the geo-spatial data in its planning and decision-making, adding that the ministry wanted to promote it in states for citizens to feel the impact of governance.
Anako also said that the Ministry was playing a critical role in the development and actualization of the national geo-information policy and the national geo-spatial data infrastructure (NGDI) bill to create synergy among stakeholders.
“This is to prevent duplications and promote consolidation of resources that will be used in supporting sub-national governments to uptake the use of geo-spatial technology.
“For planning and project delivery, especially in equitable distribution of infrastructure for education, health services, population demography, gender, and other vulnerabilities,” he said.
In his welcome address, Jalo Ibrahim, Permanent Secretary, Gombe State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, urged the MDAs to concentrate on the lessons taught during the workshop and report back to their principals.
According to him, the workshop will increase access to data for effective use in decision-making at all government levels.
