CROSS RIVER, CALABAR – The Acting Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has officially inaugurated the State Consultative Committee on Statistics (SCCS), a newly formed body aimed at enhancing the state’s statistical framework.
The committee’s mandate includes improving data accuracy, fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, and strengthening the statistical system to support informed decision-making.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Governor Odey emphasized the importance of reliable data in shaping economic policies, governance, and overall citizen well-being.
He highlighted the progress made under Governor Bassey Otu’s People First agenda, which focuses on sustainability, accountability, infrastructure development, economic diversification, and social programs.
“This committee will serve as a crucial platform for stakeholders to collaborate and enhance our statistical framework. I urge members to be bold, innovative, and committed to building a world-class data system that supports our state’s development goals,” Odey stated.
The Chairman of the State Planning Commission, Dr. Bong Duke, underscored the committee’s role in strengthening partnerships between state and federal agencies, development organizations, and other key players.
He emphasized the significance of the meeting’s theme, “Enhancing Data Integration and Interoperability in the Cross-Universal State Statistical System,” stressing that modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data analytics are vital for improving data accuracy and policy effectiveness.
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“In today’s digital age, seamless data sharing and standardization are essential for enhancing governance and decision-making,” Dr. Duke noted.
He further explained that the SCCS will work closely with the State Planning Commission and the State Bureau of Statistics to address challenges related to data harmonization, privacy, and accessibility.
“Our objective is to establish a secure, transparent, and inclusive data ecosystem that supports effective policy development and economic planning,” he added.
Dr. Joseph Adoga, the Statistician General of Cross River State, commended the government for prioritizing statistics and reaffirmed the SCCS’s commitment to producing high-quality, reliable data for governance.
“This initiative brings together all stakeholders in the state’s statistical system, ensuring that our policies and development strategies are guided by accurate data,” Dr. Adoga stated.
The SCCS comprises key government officials, security agencies, private sector representatives, and research institutions.
Members include Governor Bassey Otu (Chairman), the Vice Chairman/CEO of the State Planning Commission (Alternate Chairman), and representatives from the National Population Commission, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Central Bank of Nigeria, NNPC Ltd, the police, the armed forces, and other relevant agencies.
The formation of the SCCS marks a significant step in strengthening Cross River State’s data-driven governance and policy-making framework.