The RSS Nigeria local group (RSS-NLG), in collaboration with National Bureau of Statistics, organised a workshop titled 'Data Management Strategies to Improve National Planning and Development' at Statistics House, Abuja on February 14, 2022. It was attended by more than 30 participants drawn from various Departments of National Bureau of Statistics, Abuja.
Opening session
The opening session of the meeting was chaired by the Statistician General of the Federation (Dr Simon B Harry) represented by the director of the Household and Demographic Department, National Bureau of Statistics, Abuja (Mr Adeyemi Adeniran) and the keynotes were delivered by Adeyemi Adeniran, Biyi Fafunmi (director, Information and Communication Technology Department of the National Bureau of Statistics), Professor Kayode Ayinde and Dr OM Olayiwola (Chair, RSS-NLG). This session was moderated by Mr IND Wakili.
Approach
The organisers (RSS-NLG members) sent a letter of intention to organise a worshop to the Statistician-General of the Federation. Organisers were particularly interested in exploring data management strategies to improve national planning and development. Participants were nominated by NBS from various Departments in the Bureau.
Support
The workshop was funded by one of the committee members of the RSS-NLG. Funding covered flight tickets, accommodation, feeding and other expenses.
Focus
The workshop focussed on staff members of National Bureau of Statistics, Abuja. National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is the main National Agency responsible for the development and management of official statistics in Nigeria.
Objectives
The objective of this workshop was to discuss core issues affecting Data generation and production, Data archiving and retrieving, Data Banking, Data Reporting, Data integrity and reliability. Also, to ensure quality Data production that would aid effective decision and policy as well as to acquaint members with new ideas that will improve the society.
Sessions
The workshop discussions were in four sessions; Data management using R software, Data management using SPSS, Model development (Bias Reduction Model: A solution to National Security Challenges) for solving insecurity issues in Nigeria and a brainstorming session.
Session 1
Dr Olayiwola demonstrated data management using R software. He used the software to demonstrate Survey Process and Process Recheck, Data generation and production, Data archiving and retrieving, Data Banking, Data Reporting.
Session 2
Similarly, Prof. Kayode Ayinde demonstrated Data Management using SPSS software. He also used the software to demonstrate Survey Process and Process Recheck, Data generation and production, Data archiving and retrieving, Data Banking, Data Reporting.
Session 3
Dr Olayiwola demonstrated Bias reduction models for solving security challenges in Nigeria and requested for further collaboration with NBS so as to work as a team in order to provide solution to current insecurity challenge in Nigeria.
Session 4
All participants were allowed to explain how they have been analysed and utilize the data at their disposal.
Observations
The discussion sessions highlighted a number of key issues including:
- There is relational gap in the operations of the academics and the industries
- Research collaborations between the academicians and NBS are minimal.
- Inferential statistics is minimal in usage
- The knowledge of software usage is good and needs improvement
- The type of workshop done is not frequently organised.
Recommendations
- Collaboration between the academicians and the NBS in researches
- Involvement of Professionals in academics in NBS Data Management and its Analysis
- Periodic organization of training on use of modern techniques and technologies
Coverage
The workshop was covered by National Agency of Nigeria and documented in the following links:
- https://independent.ng/proper-statistics-can-solve-security-challenge-in-nigeria-expert/
- https://www.nannews.ng/2022/02/14/proper-statistics-can-solve-insecurity-challenge-in-nigeria-expert/
- https://youtu.be/NT0lSls6O80
- https://radionigeria.gov.ng/2022/02/16/royal-statistics-society-advocates-use-of-data-to-combat-insecurity/
- https://guardian.ng/business-services/nigeria-losing-many-foreign-investments-to-rising-insecurity-businesses-warn/
Closing
The Statistician General of the Federation (Dr Simon B Harry) represented by the Director, House hold and Demographic Department, National Bureau of Statistics, Abuja (Mr Adeyemi Adeniran) declared the workshop closed.
Appreciation
The RSS-NLG team members appreciated the Statistician General of the Federation for making the workshop possible. They also thanked the Director, House hold and Demographic Department, National Bureau of Statistics, Abuja (Mr Adeyemi Adeniran), Mr Biyi Fafunmi (The Director, Information and Communication Technology Department of the National Bureau of Statistics) and Mr. LND Wakili for their care, coordination and hospitality. The permission given by the University Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria was also appreciated.