The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has expressed concern over the persistent lack of accurate and reliable data in many government agencies.
The center warned that the gap continues to undermine the effectiveness of public policies and development programs in Nigeria.
Speaking at the closing session of a three-day training on data analysis using Python, CITAD’s Executive Director, Engr. Yunusa Z. Ya’u, said the inability of institutions to base their plans and decisions on credible data remains one of the biggest obstacles to achieving meaningful development.
“The absence of reliable data leads to ineffective policies and programs,”; Ya’u said in a statement delivered on his behalf by Mr. Hamza Ibrahim, CITAD’s Senior Programme Officer in the Research and Communications Unit.
He noted that without accurate data, government institutions are often left to formulate policies based on assumptions, resulting in outcomes that fail to address the real needs of citizens.
Ya’u emphasized that data is no longer just an academic tool but a fundamental pillar for evidence-based policymaking.
“Data is increasingly important, not only for academic work but also for public policy,”; he said.
CITAD called on relevant authorities to invest in data systems and research.
They stressed that improving the country’s data infrastructure is essential for development planning, effective service delivery, and accountability in governance.
