The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria, in collaboration with the Nigeria’s Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has launched the Nigeria Visualised – web platform and report to enhance the level of data literacy, increase the knowledge and understanding of the nation’s dynamic landscape.
The web platform and report, constitutes the core of the Nigeria Visualised initiative which incorporates an array of over 40 detailed data visualizations sourced from a blend of hard and soft data.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony held in Abuja, the nation’s capital, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Mathias Schmale, said the project has become important towards full implementation of government policies and programmes in the country.
Mr. Schmale who was represented by the Development Coordination Officer/Economist of the UN. Nonso Obikili, said the project is apt towards full implementation of government policies and programmes in the country.
He further emphasized on the need to prioritise data visualization in decision making .
“To meet the UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development requires that we continue to track key indicator of progress that we need around the world. Where we have fallen and need acceleration. The UN through instrument of SDG framework has committed to supporting government, in reporting trajectory on SDGs. Too often data gets lost on the shelves and on countless basis that is why this platform is important, to put human face and help relate with data”. He said
Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu said the project would give more access and information to Nigerians.
“Sometimes, we present them in a way people know, with different opportunities and development challenges and sometimes mutual suspicion.Visualisation can give you full view about your country or developmental challenges, cultural opportunities in the landscape. When we are dealing with issues, particularly climate change, many people cannot relate to the challenges of others, because they do not know. This project will be important tool of knowing Nigeria better both by Nigerians and non Nigerians”. Badudu said
For his part, the Statistician General of the, Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the NBS, Mr. Semiu Adeniran, said collaboration with UNDP and the ministry marked a significant milestone in the collective journey toward creating awareness on data literacy among Nigerians.
“This visualisation project therefore, serves as a timely enabler in that regard, offering a veritable tool for showcasing and disseminating Nigeria’s socio-economic data landscape. It also marks a crucial step forward in the realm of data utilization and interpretation, emphasising the importance of not only collecting data, but also translating it into a meaningful narrative that resonates our present drive to enhance data reporting and visualization capacity, for better understanding and assimilation of data among our users”. Adeniran said.
In related development, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mr Mohamed Yahya, noted that the initiative was designed to to boost understanding on data visualization.
“Having data visualised in an accessible manner allows everybody understand what they are seeing and to make decisions based on them,” Yahya noted.
Other highpoint of the event were quiz about Nigeria, video presentation on the importance of data visualisation, unveiling of report and inauguration of website on data visualisation.
This data offers a comprehensive visual exploration of Nigeria’s multifaceted landscape and its diverse populace.
