Data is the New Oil: Yobe Inaugurates Committee to Harness Statistics for Development

The Yobe State Government on Tuesday inaugurated the State Consultative Committee on Statistics (SCCS) to enhance evidence-based planning and decision-making.

Supported by the Lafiya UK & Nigeria Partnership for a Healthier Future, the ceremony in Damaturu was attended by senior government officials, private sector representatives,and development partners.

Inaugurating the committee, Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali, represented by Permanent Secretary for Special Duties Ibrahim Ali, described the move as a “pivotal milestone” in institutionalizing credible data for governance.

“Statistics are the backbone of effective governance,“No government can plan efficiently, allocate resources equitably, or measure outcomes accurately without reliable, timely, and harmonized data,"he stated.

He explained that the SCCS will act as a coordinating and advisory body to unify data producers and users across the state, aiming to ensure coherence, uphold standards, reduce duplication, and improve data sharing among ministries and agencies.

Earlier, Yobe State Statistician-General AbdulRahaman Malik highlighted the economic value of data, calling it “the new oil."

"Every dollar invested in data generation can generate an average of thirty-two dollars in economic benefits.Any policy idea without data is merely an opinion,"Malik said.

He reaffirmed the Bureau of Statistics’ role as the official data custodian and urged collaboration to avoid duplication and ensure quality.

The SCCS includes representatives from state and federal ministries, security agencies, civil society organizations, and the SDGs coordination structure. Members were charged with shaping a stronger, data-driven future for Yobe.