By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
Towards entrenching good good Governance that is inline with global best practices, Bauchi State Government has reiterated its resolve to run a data driven Government.
The State Government also expressed its commitment to continue supporting initiatives that would foster good governance, transparency, and accountability.
The Secretary to the Bauchi State Government (SSG), Aminu Hammayo stated this at the inauguration of the State Consultative Committee on Statistics (SCCS) held on Thursday, 23rd January, 2025 at the Conference Hall of Development Exchange Centre (DEC).
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, Jibrin Mohammed Yusuf , the SSG said that the establishment of the State Consultative Committee on Statistics (SCCS) represents a significant milestone in the quest for robust development, good governance, and sustainable progress.
“In the modern era, data is the foundation of informed decision-making. Every policy, every intervention, and every developmental initiative hinges on the availability, accuracy and integrity of data. As such, the SCCS will serve as a critical platform for ensuring that statistical data within our state is reliable, comprehensive, and reflective of the prevailing realities”, said Hammayo.
While congratulating the 40 Member SCCS on their appointment, Hammayo reminded them that their appointment was not only in recognition of their individual expertise and commitment, but also a demonstration of government’s determination to embrace data-driven governance and policy formulation.
“The SCCS is expected to meet twice a year with the following Terms of Reference (TOR):
(a) Develop strategies which will ensure uniform standard and methodology amongst the various agencies with a view to improving on the quality, comparability and timeliness of their statistical outputs.
(b) Examine the statistical programmes of the various agencies annually in order to achieve greater coordination and avoid unnecessary duplication of efforts, and evolve a state statistics program.
(c) Review and proffer advice on conditions of service and the training of personnel.
” It is imperative to inform this gathering that the establishment of Bauchi State Bureau of Statistics by His Excellency the State Executive Governor was informed by the high premium attached to evidence based planning and good governance”, the SSG said.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Bauchi State Statistician General, Lawal Bako commended the State Government for creating the State Office of Statistics, stressing that, “The mission of the Bauchi Bureau of Statistics is to enhance decision-making, transparency and development outcomes through improved data systems, stakeholder collaboration and capacity building”.
He assured that the Bauchi Bureau for Statistics will be a resource avenue for quality official statistics, ensuring credibility and integrity of it’s data.
There were goodwill messages from some Implementing Partners, the Academia and CSOs.