Economist seeks information, databook for policymakers

 

An economist, Dr Afolabi Olowookere, has stressed the need for policymakers to be equipped with the necessary data and information for socioeconomic performance in the current democratic dispensation.

Olowookere, the Managing Director/Chief Economist of the Analysts Data Services and Resources (ADSR), said this in a statement in Lagos.

He said that policymakers needed to be supported to devise innovative means of addressing the country’s challenges and achieving its laudable vision with sustainable data and information.

“Nigeria is, therefore, presented with another opportunity to improve its socioeconomic performance, particularly at a time when many of the citizens are highly expectant, while some are critical of the role of government in improving their welfare, judging from their past experiences.

“Following the elections earlier this year, several political office holders have emerged as the President, Governors and Members of Senate, the House of Representatives and state Houses of Assembly.

“Many other appointments are equally being considered and made as cabinet members, advisers, and heads of agencies and departments, among others.

“Our policymakers, therefore, need to be supported to devise innovative means of addressing the country’s challenges and achieving its laudable vision.

“They need to be adequately equipped with the necessary data, information and analysis of where we are, how we got here, what has been done in the past and the outcomes, what works elsewhere that can be adapted, as well as what can be done in the immediate, medium and long-term periods?

“Citizens, businesses and other key stakeholders also need to be able to gauge how the activities of policymakers affect their interests and thereby offer their contribution towards strengthening the country’s policymaking process,” Olowookere said.

He said that the current medium-term plan, the National Development Plan (2021–2025), has the vision of unlocking Nigeria’s potential in all sectors of the economy for sustainable, holistic and inclusive national development with sustainable data.

Olowookere said it was based on the need to tackle the challenges of inadequate application of data in planning that “Nigeria in Figures: A Socio-Economic Databook,” would be launched this week in Lagos.

The book authored by Olowookere was borne out of the need to provide evidence-based inputs into the discussions and target-setting for political office holders, advisers, policymakers, electorate, observers, researchers and businesses.

Olowookere said the book presents a comprehensive list of indicators measuring Nigeria’s socioeconomic performance since 1999 at the national, regional and state levels.

“It is intended to provide baseline data and serve as a reference data book on Nigeria as well as a useful guide for benchmarking and monitoring the country’s socio-economic progress over time.

“The book has benefited from the comments and suggestions from subject-matter experts drawn from policy, industry, professional, academic and international institutions, including, Dr Shamsuddeen Usman, Doyin Salami, Dr Sarah Alade, Kingsley Obiora, Dr Ayo Teriba, Dr Suleyman Ndanusa, Dr ‘Laoye Jaiyeola, Emeritus Professor Ademola Oyejide, Prof. Olu Ajakaiye, Prof. Ahmed Ummu Jalingo, Prof. Adeolu Adewuyi and Prof. Uche Uwaleke, among others,” he said.

Olowookere added that there would be a Roundtable Discussion at the book launch, with a group of discussants drawn from among these experts to engage in robust discussions on the topic: “Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Performance Since 1999: Lessons for New Policymakers.”

He said their discussions and recommendations as well as the communique to be issued at the end of the event are expected to contribute to the agenda for the new administration.

Other confirmed dignitaries expected at the book launch are Dr Ayo Teriba, the Chief Executive Officer, Economic Associates, and Member of Governing Council, Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Prof. Adeolu Adewuyi, Dean, University of Ibadan Business School, Ms Mary Uduk, Managing Director, Capital Market Support Services and Former Ag. DG Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr Chukwuka Onyekwena, Executive Director, Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa, Mrs Toyin Sanni, Executive Vice-Chair/ Group Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Africa Group and Mr Lamido Yuguda, the Director-General, SEC among many others.