Leveraging data for informed decision-making and sustainable development

BY DOVISH OKOJIE

Addressing pressing issues such as healthcare, education, economic inequality, and environmental sustainability in Nigeria requires a comprehensive understanding of the underlying challenges and effective strategies for intervention. In this digital age, data emerges as a potent tool for informed decision-making and sustainable development. However, Nigeria faces significant hurdles in harnessing the power of data, primarily due to challenges in data collection, quality, and utilisation. Let’s delve into the critical importance of data in addressing Nigeria’s challenges and some practical strategies to improve data accuracy and utilisation.

Importance of data in solving Nigeria’s pressing issues

1. Informed Decision-Making: Accurate data provides policymakers with insights into the root causes and dynamics of various social, economic, and environmental challenges. Data enables evidence-based decision-making, leading to more targeted interventions and resource allocation.

2. Monitoring and Evaluation: Data serves as a critical tool for monitoring progress towards development goals and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. By tracking key indicators and outcomes, stakeholders can identify areas of success and areas requiring improvement, leading to more adaptive and responsive programming.

3. Resource Allocation: With limited resources, effective allocation is crucial for maximising impact. Data-driven insights help identify priority areas, ensuring that resources are directed towards initiatives with the greatest potential for positive change.

4. Accountability and Transparency: Transparent data collection and reporting promotes accountability among stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector. It facilitates tracking of funds, outcomes, and performance, reducing corruption and improving trust in institutions.

5. Targeted Interventions: Granular data enables the identification of vulnerable populations and specific geographic areas in need of interventions. This enables tailored solutions to the unique needs of different communities, ensuring that resources are deployed where they are most needed.

Challenges in data collection and utilisation in Nigeria

1. Data Fragmentation: Nigeria’s data landscape is characterised by fragmentation, with multiple government agencies, NGOs, and research institutions collecting data independently. This fragmentation leads to duplicative efforts, inconsistent methodologies, and gaps in coverage, hindering comprehensive analysis and decision-making.

2. Data Quality Issues: Poor data quality, including inaccuracies, incompleteness, and inconsistency, undermines the reliability and utility of data for decision-making. Factors such as outdated methodologies, inadequate training of enumerators, and limited technology infrastructure contribute to data quality challenges.

3. Limited Capacity: Nigeria faces a shortage of skilled professionals in data analysis, statistical modelling, and information technology. This limits the country’s ability to effectively collect, analyse, and utilise data effectively to derive actionable insights and drive sustainable development.

4. Technological Barriers: Despite advancements in technology, access to reliable internet connectivity and digital infrastructure remains a challenge in many parts of Nigeria. This hampers data collection efforts, particularly in remote and underserved areas, where reliable data is often most needed.

5. Socio-Cultural Factors: Socio-cultural factors, including language diversity, mistrust of government institutions, and privacy concerns, influence data collection and utilisation efforts. Building trust, addressing cultural sensitivities, and ensuring community participation are essential for effective data-driven initiatives.

Strategies for improving data accuracy in Nigeria

1. Strengthening Institutional Capacity: Investing in the capacity of government agencies, academic institutions, and civil society organisations is essential for improving data collection, analysis, and utilisation. This includes providing training programs, workshops, and partnerships with international organisations for knowledge exchange and technical assistance to build skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

2. Standardising Methodologies: Developing standardised methodologies and protocols for data collection ensures consistency and comparability across different datasets. Harmonising data collection efforts minimises duplication, improves data quality, and enhances the reliability of insights derived from data analysis.

3. Leveraging Technology: Embracing technology, such as mobile data collection tools, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing technologies, and several others, can streamline data collection processes and improve accuracy. Mobile phone penetration in Nigeria presents an opportunity for innovative data collection methods, including SMS surveys and mobile apps, which can reach populations in remote areas.

4. Engaging Communities: Community engagement is critical for building trust, increasing participation, and ensuring the relevance of data collection efforts. Utilising local knowledge, cultural mediators, and community-based organisations enhances data accuracy and promotes ownership of development initiatives.

5. Implementing Data Privacy and Security Measures: Establishing robust data privacy and security protocols is essential for protecting sensitive information and building trust among data providers. Compliance with international and local standards, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and Nigerian Data Protection Act (NDPA) strengthens data integrity and mitigates the risk of misuse or unauthorised access.

6. Promoting Open Data Initiatives: Encouraging transparency and open data initiatives promotes accountability, promotes innovation, and enhances collaboration among stakeholders. Making data accessible to the public through online platforms and data repositories will encourage data-driven research by policymakers, key stakeholders and citizens. This can help identify trends, and drive evidence-based decision-making.

7. Investing in Research and Innovation: Supporting research and innovation in data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning promotes the development of cutting-edge solutions for data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Collaborations between academia, industry, and government spur technological advancements, address data-related challenges, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable development.

Data holds immense potential for driving positive change and addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues. However, realising this potential requires strategic efforts to overcome challenges in data collection, quality, and utilisation. Nigeria can unlock the transformative power of data and pave the way for a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future. Effective collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations, academia, and the private sector is essential for building a robust data ecosystem that drives informed decision-making and accelerates progress towards national development goals.

Dovish Okojie is a management consultant and public affairs analyst. He writes from Abuja and can be reached through [email protected]