Economist Seeks Information, Databook for Policymakers

Kayode Tokede 

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

He further said 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 added 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 on June 8, 2023, at Muson Centre, 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.