by Ashraf Oluwatobiloba, Kaduna.
The Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF), George Akume, has underscored the critical role of accurate data in the effective planning and budgeting for Nigeria’s economic and social development. He particularly emphasized that reliable data is crucial for crafting a national budget that will positively impact the grassroots and foster development across the country.
Akume made these remarks in Enugu during the South geopolitical zone stakeholders’ sensitization meeting on the activation and implementation of the Local Government Proof of Address (POA) System. Represented by Mrs. Helen Garpiya, the Director of Political and Constitutional Matters in his office, Akume noted that despite Nigeria’s long history of budgeting, the lack of accurate data has hindered the delivery of development initiatives to the grassroots.
He explained that the introduction of the Proof of Address system would provide the country with accurate data necessary for proper planning and national growth. He said, “When we are planning, we should know how many people are in Enugu, for instance, so that we can budget and allocate amenities for the grassroots.” Akume stressed that by obtaining precise information on the population and residence patterns, including those of foreign nationals, the government would be able to make more informed decisions.
Akume expressed confidence that with the POA system, Nigeria would finally have the data needed for comprehensive national development. He stated, “For a long time, we have been budgeting, but it doesn’t really get down to the people. But with this POA, we will be able to get there because we have accurate data. This is a step towards having proper data for Nigeria.”
In his address, the national president of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Bello Lawal, highlighted that the POA system would provide vital statistics that would contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth. Represented by the Enugu State ALGON chairman, Sydney Edeh, Lawal emphasized that the POA system is not just a bureaucratic procedure, but a crucial part of civil registration and vital statistics ecosystems. The system, he noted, would enable effective planning, financial inclusion, and overall economic development.
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, also weighed in on the importance of the POA system, stating that its successful implementation would help reduce insecurity. Mbah, represented by Ifeanyi Agujobi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, pointed out that his administration had already taken steps towards this initiative by establishing a community-based rural demarcation system. He noted that the POA system would contribute significantly to planning and executing developmental projects in the South East region.
The activation of the Local Government Proof of Address system marks a significant step towards improving Nigeria’s data accuracy, with the potential to enhance governance, budgeting, and security across the nation.
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