LASG seeks accurate data to manage population growth

The Lagos State Government and several development partners have canvassed for an all-encompassing data collection that would ensure equity in measuring population growth.

This was revealed at a forum organised by the Lagos Bureau of Statistics, under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, in celebration of the 2024 World Population Day, held in Alausa, Ikeja.

According to a Thursday statement, the Coordinating Director of the ministry, Emmanuel Olajide, said, “In a world where data drives decision-making, we must prioritise inclusivity to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and valued.

“Let us unlock the power of inclusive data to break down barriers, challenge biases, inform data-driven policy decisions, drive innovation and entrepreneurship and also foster global collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

“For a greener, cleaner world, let’s manage our numbers wisely. Empower women, empower communities, the key to sustainable population growth.”

Also speaking at the event, the Director of the National Population Commission in Lagos, Bamidele Sadiku, expressed the readiness of the commission to carry out a census in the country to generate data for sustainable development.

He added, “For inclusiveness, the census will consider everybody. It will take place in regular households, and institutional households (hospitals, prison yards, hotels).”

On her part, the representative of the United Nations Population Fund Nigeria, Josephine Ekhator, said the agency supported the state government “in embracing the power of inclusive data especially as it is needed for informed decision-making, policies, programmes, projects and budget that promotes inclusivity and equity.”

World Population Day is celebrated every July 11 by the United Nations and according to its Secretary General, António Guterres, an investment in data collection “is important to understanding problems, tailoring solutions, and driving progress.”