The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning,Atiku Bagudu , has underscored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to uplifting a substantial majority of Nigerians from poverty.
The announcement came during the Geospatial Ecosystem Round Table Meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Bagudu highlighted the current administration’s pivotal focus on enhancing social welfare inclusion and bolstering security across the nation, aligning with the overarching goals encapsulated under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister emphasized the strategic use of geospatial technology in both planning and implementation as a cornerstone of these developmental efforts.
Addressing the attendees, Bagudu expressed, “It is my pleasure to address all of you at this important roundtable discussion on operationalizing the Nigeria Geo-Referenced Infrastructure and Demographic Data (GRID3) for development planning and policy decision-making.”
The Minister reiterated the critical role played by the ministry in mainstreaming and coordinating the Geo-Referenced Infrastructure and Demographic Data for development, with a vision for its adoption at the sub-national level.
The adoption of geospatial technology, according to Bagudu, is indispensable for effectively realizing the nation’s development aspirations.
“This is especially regarding equitable distribution of infrastructure, education, security, and health services, considering population demography, including gender and other vulnerabilities,” he added.
The acknowledgment of geospatial technology as an essential tool in the nation’s economic and social development underscores the administration’s dedication to harnessing innovative solutions for tackling deeply entrenched issues.
The emphasis on equitable distribution aligns with a broader vision of ensuring that progress is not only visible but also reaches all corners of the country, addressing disparities in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
As the administration moves forward with its Renewed Hope Agenda, the integration of geospatial data into national projects and programs stands as a testament to the commitment to evidence-based policy decisions and strategic planning.
The discourse at the Geospatial Ecosystem Round Table Meeting not only sheds light on the administration’s priorities but also opens avenues for collaborative efforts in utilizing technology to drive positive change and sustainable development across Nigeria.
