In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, one truth has become increasingly clear to me: data is the foundation of any meaningful development. It’s more than just numbers and statistics—it’s the engine that drives innovation, empowers policy, streamlines governance, and, most importantly, ensures no one is left behind. In a country like Nigeria where accurate, real-time information is vital to decision-making, data is the new oil, and Niger State must be at the forefront of harnessing it.
As the Honourable Commissioner for Communications Technology and Digital Economy, I recently had the privilege of presiding over a high-level unified data collection meeting, which marked a significant step in our journey toward building a robust, integrated and inclusive digital ecosystem for Niger State.
Unifying Data for a Unified Vision
This meeting wasn’t just another gathering—it was a strategic milestone. We brought together critical stakeholders from across the government and development space, united in a common goal: to align our efforts in data collection, harmonisation, and utilisation, especially as it concerns the Nigerian Social Register and other social protection frameworks.
Present at the meeting were leaders and technical teams from:
- Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management
- Ministry of Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs
- Ministry of Local Government
- Ministry of Women Affairs
- Ministry of MSMEs
- Ministry of Rural Development
- Planning Commission
- Office of the Special Advisers to the Governor on:
- Social Investment
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Planning and Statistics
- Gender and Affirmative Action
- Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA)
- And the State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU) of the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO).
Driving a Harmonised Data Framework
At the heart of our deliberations was a pressing need: to harmonise all data collection efforts across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). I made it clear that duplicated, fragmented, or siloed data limits our ability to serve the people effectively. Instead, we must build a shared ecosystem where data flows securely and intelligently across sectors.
I took a moment to commend the impressive work done by SOCU in developing and updating the Nigerian Social Register, which has become a critical tool for identifying and reaching vulnerable populations. But even that effort must be integrated into a larger, statewide framework that ensures consistency, accountability, and synergy across all programmes.
Key Resolutions from the Meeting
We didn’t just talk—we outlined actionable steps:
- Validation and Updating of the Social Register to reflect current realities and improve accuracy.
- Expansion Roadmap for the Register to cover all 25 LGAs in Niger State.
- Development of a Centralised Access Framework, allowing controlled but efficient use of data by relevant MDAs.
- Customisation of Variables, so that each agency’s unique data needs are met without compromising overall data integrity.
- Establishment of a Harmonisation Taskforce to oversee implementation and ensure alignment with the state’s digital transformation agenda.
Charting a Data-Driven Future
I reminded everyone in the room that “In the grand tapestry of development, data is both the warp and the weft. Without it, we risk weaving a fabric that lacks form, focus, and function.” This meeting underscored our collective resolve to transition from reactive governance to proactive planning—and data is our compass on that journey.
Our end goal is clear: to power Niger State’s digital economy with reliable, harmonised, and actionable data that supports inclusive development, poverty reduction, and innovation at scale.
A Commitment to Digital Transformation and Social Impact
This unified approach is a cornerstone of our digital transformation strategy in Niger State. With every agency on board, and every dataset securely aligned with national efforts such as the Nigerian Social Register, we’re not just transforming governance—we’re transforming lives.
I left the room inspired by the shared sense of purpose. This is just the beginning, but with each deliberate step, we’re creating a future where technology, data, and human development intersect to deliver real impact for every citizen in Niger State.
