Geospatial data, key to effective planning, decision making

Add as a preferred source

The Federal Government has revealed that geospatial data is crucial and important to effective planning and decision-making towards achieving development across all sectors of the country.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Engr. Nebolisa Anako spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital on Thursday during the sensitization workshop on the use of geospatial data for development and decision-making.

Anako, who was represented by the head of the Geographic Information System division in the ministry, Mrs Mary Effiong, explained that the government through the ministry was putting in place measures to incorporate the use of spatial evidence to support decision-making.

He added that there is a need for the state governments across the country to key into this project in a bid to promote national development across all critical sectors.

The permanent secretary added that the training of the personnel in the state is important for them to deploy knowledge gained for the efficient allocation of resources and effective monitoring of projects and policies.

According to him, “ Government at the Federal level recognizes the role of geospatial data in effective planning and decision making, hence, the need to cascade this knowledge to states, as part of the collaboration between national and sub-national governments to promote national development.

“ It has become imperative to carry along State governments in the institutionalization of the use of spatial evidence to support decision making. Institutionalization of capacities to analyze and visualize Geo-Spatial data to support the planning and service delivery of programmes and projects under the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2025, is a critical must-do.

“ I am glad to mention that Geo-Spatial technology has been applied in some key new innovations of the Government such as the Eyemark project of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the School Placement Optimization Tool (SPOT) developed by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

“The visualization of MIS/GIS data using Geo-Spatial technology has led to the objective and efficient allocation of resources as well as effective monitoring and evaluation of programmes, projects and policies of the Government.

“The application of Geo-Spatial Data in planning and implementation of programmes and projects towards guaranteeing the wellbeing of Nigerians cannot be overemphasized.

“As such, the use of Geo-Spatial data has now become vital and central to development efforts globally. It is now an adopted best practice and an integral part of the monitoring and evaluation of government programs, projects and policies.

“On this note, I would like to encourage you all to explore the application of Geo-Spatial technology in your various organizations.”

On his part, the permanent secretary of the Ekiti State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Sola Akinluyi commended the Federal Government for the training, adding that the place of geo-spatial technology cannot be over-emphasized in the society.

ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE