By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina TIMES
Katsina State Deputy Governor, Malam Faruq Lawal Jobe, has reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to pursuing a data-driven governance approach to strengthen development strategies and policy implementation.
Speaking on the evening of Thursday, May 22, 2025, during a dinner reception for participants of the National Consultative Committee on Statistics (NCCS) at the Government House, Jobe described the event as historic and impactful for the state.
He lauded the participants for their contributions toward advancing statistical development in Nigeria, saying, “Katsina is home to everyone. We honour our guests and welcome you as brothers and sisters.”
Jobe stressed the importance of using credible data for effective policy formulation and project execution, noting that since assuming office in 2023, the administration had revitalized the state’s statistics bureau to ensure data accuracy. “We cannot implement meaningful economic development plans without reliable data,” he emphasized.
He disclosed that Professor Saifullah Sani was duly appointed as Director-General of the Katsina State Bureau of Statistics through a merit-based and lawful process. This has led to comprehensive data gathering efforts across all 34 local government areas of the state.
Jobe assured the Chairman of the National Bureau of Statistics and other stakeholders that the Katsina government would critically examine the resolutions reached at the conference and implement them accordingly. “Your recommendations will be central to shaping our developmental strategies,” he stated.
He further revealed plans for continued collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics in tracking the state’s GDP for 2024 and 2025, promising there would no longer be gaps in data collection.
Encouraging investors, the Deputy Governor highlighted Katsina’s improved security, quality infrastructure, and hospitable environment, positioning it as an attractive destination for investment.
In his remarks, Chairman of the National Bureau of Statistics, Mr. Semiu Adeyemi Adeniran, commended Governor Dikko Umaru Radda and his deputy for their strong support of data-based governance. “If all states had leaders like you, Nigeria would be far more advanced,” he remarked.
He also praised Katsina’s commitment to hosting the critical dialogue, referencing the recent visit of the President for the commissioning of major projects, and urged other states to emulate Katsina's model of using data and promoting tourism.
Concluding the event, Deputy Governor Jobe expressed gratitude to all attendees and wished them safe travels, urging them to dispel negative narratives about insecurity in the state. “Katsina is safe—you’ve seen it yourselves,” he affirmed.
The dinner marked the official close of the 2025 NCCS meeting and reinforced Katsina’s role as a national leader in transparent governance, strategic planning, and hospitality.
