Planning: FG Sensitises Gombe MDAs on Use of Geo-Spatial Data
From Hajara Usman, Gombe
The Federal Government on Thursday embarked on sensitisation of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of Gombe State, on the use of geo-spatial data for development, planning and decision-making.
Our correspondent reports that Geospatial data, or geodata, is data that includes information related to locations on the Earth’s surface.
Speaking at the Workshop, organised by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Nebolisa Anako, said the workshop was aimed at enlightening participants on the significance of using Geospatial data in their development and planning.
Represented by the Head of Evaluation in the ministry, Gomina Mohammed, Anako further said that using geo-spatial information, government would ensure equitable distribution of resources, infrastructure development, and good decisions on developmental matters.
He said that the Federal Government had adopted the geo-spatial data in its planning and decision making, adding that the ministry wanted to promote it in states for citizens to feel the impact of governance.
Anako also said that the Ministry was playing a critical role in the development and actualisation of the National Geo-information policy and National Geo-spatial Data Infrastructure (NGDI) Bill, to create synergy among stakeholders.
“This is to prevent duplications and promote consolidation of resources that will be used in supporting sub-national governments to uptake the use of geo-spatial technology .
“For planning and project delivery, especially in equitable distribution of infrastructure for education, health services, population demography, gender and other vulnerabilities,” he said.
In his address of welcome, Jalo Ibrahim, Permanent Secretary, Gombe State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planing, urged the MDAs to concentrate on lessons taught during the workshop and report back to their principals.
According to him, the workshop will increase access to data for effective use in decision-making at all government levels.
