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Akwa Ibom Assembly holds public hearing on new bill to Establish Bureau of Statistics
Akwa Ibom Assembly holds public hearing on bill to Establish Bureau of Statistics
The Chairman, House Committee on Economic Planning and Development, Esse Umoh, on Wednesday, chaired the public hearing on a bill for a Law to establish the Akwa Ibom State Bureau of Statistics and Akwa Ibom State Statistical System and connected matters at the Akwa Ibom Assembly Complex, Uyo.
Umoh, a seasoned lawyer who represents Essien Udim state constituency in the Akwa Ibom Assembly, in his remarks, explained that the bill was coming at a time of profound public expectations.
“Recall that sometime in August 2020, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) issued a report that Akwa Ibom State ranked the second highest in terms of unemployment in the country with a 45.2 percent unemployment rate. That report created a serious pandemonium in the State as many questioned the credibility and accuracy of the statistic given the economic realities in the State.
“The sample size, survey, and population figure used in obtaining the said Statistic Report were obscure and undefined. It is therefore pertinent for the State to have a legal framework to regulate and coordinate the development and management of official statistics and data within the State”, he said.
According to him, “The bill when passed into law shall not only enhance the integrity of official statistics and data of government but shall provide a comprehensive, timely, relevant and reliable statistical information that will help in planning and repositioning the State”.
Commissioner for Economic Planning and Development, Emem Bob, who was represented by Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, in his keynote address, explained that the meeting was imperative because it signaled the process to keying into the National Statistics Policy and Reform.
“The statistics bill when passed and assented to will ensure Data Integrity, guarantee professional independence of the Statistical System and adherence to National and International best practices in the production of official Statistics”
“More so, the State Bureau of Statistics (SBS) will attract funding from Development Partners and Central Bank of Nigeria for the conduct of surveys. It will also enhance collaboration between the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and Akwa Ibom State Bureau of Statistics (SBS)”, he said.
Stakeholders at the public hearing commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for giving approval for the establishment of the state bureau of statistics, and for subsequently transmitting same to the assembly for legislative processes. They also highlighted the need for speedy consideration and passage of the bill.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey was represented at the well-attended public hearing by the Deputy Speaker and Member representing Okobo State Constituency, Rt Hon Felicia Bassey,
The deputy chairman of the committee on economic planning and development, Anietie Eka (Uyo state constituency), and other members of the committee including the House Leader, Udo Kierian Akpan, Aniekan Uko (Ibesikpo Asutan) David Lawrence Udofa (Eket), Effiong Johnson (Mbo), Charity Ido (Ukanafun), Otobong Bob (Nsit Ubium), and Ifiok Udo (Nsit Ibom), also attended.
Stakeholders at the public hearing also included Dr. Nse Udoh, Chairman Statistical Association of Nigerian, Akwa Ibom State Chapter; Dr. Harry Udoh, Chairman, Civil Societies Organization; Comr. Franklin Isong, Chairman, Civil Liberties Organization (CLO); Elder Eyaekop Umanah, a retired permanent secretary, among others.
