NCCS holds 2021 1st biannual meeting in Jos

By Moses Mark

The National Consultative Committee on Statistics (NCCS) is holding its first biannual meeting for 2021 in Jos, Capital of Plateau.

The two-day meeting, has Statistician Generals from the 36 States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT), Abuja, representatives of Federal and State Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), among other stakeholders as participants.

NCCS is the main national coordinating body of the Nigerian Statistics system (NSS).

Membership of the Commitee is drawn from data gathering agencies at both state and federal levels including line MDAs, among others.

Speaking at the event in Jos, the Statistician General of the Federation, Dr Yemi Kale, said the meeting was apt owing to the myriad of challenges facing the nation in terms of data gathering.

Kale, represented by Dr Adeyemi Adeniran, explained that the meeting also provides an opportunity for stakeholders to brainstorm, identify gaps and proffer solutions.

He said the meeting was also aimed at identifying problems of data processing with a view of addressing them

“This commitee meets annually to review programmes of statistical activities and harmonise meterology of data production.

“Today, we are in Jos, Plateau for the first meeting for this year.

“We are here to to collectively find out the problems of data processing and to ensure that such problems are solved statistically.

“As a body, we shall continually develop strategies to improve statical output in the country,” Kale said.

He called participants to pay rapt attention and make meaningful contributions during deliberations.

Declaring the event open, Gov. Simon Lalong, thanked NCCS for hosting the meeting in Jos.

Lalong, represented by the Plateau Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Sylvester Wallamko, said the choice of Plateau for the meeting has further shown that peace has returned to the state.

He promised to ensure lasting peace is achieved in the state, hence making it a safe abode for all visitors.

A communique’ would be issued at the end of the two-day meeting.