The Anambra State Bureau of Statistics said the state now operates a digitised open data system to boost transparency.
This was disclosed by the Statistician General and Managing Director of the Bureau, Obiora Obiabunmo, during a financial verification meeting with the Public Accounts Committee of the State House of Assembly.
The meeting was convened to examine the Bureau’s audited financial report for the 2024 fiscal year.
Obiabunmo commended Governor Charles Soludo for launching the Anambra State Open Portal, which facilitated the shift from a manual system to a fully digitised data collection platform.
He noted that the upgrade has significantly improved the quality of data collection and analysis, while also enhancing the state’s revenue generation efforts.
According to him, the Bureau of Statistics, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Planning, has commenced the first phase of the open portal data system.
The pilot phase includes no fewer than ten Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), which are now digitally integrated into the system.
Highlighting the Bureau’s activities and budget performance for 2024, Obiabunmo revealed that ongoing staff training and capacity-building initiatives have been prioritised to ensure high-quality data collation and publication.
He explained that statistical information gathered is intended for broad public use and for improving governance outcomes in the state.
He also presented a detailed breakdown of the Bureau’s cash flows, approved budget, capital releases, and executed projects, including the installation of solar panels for the Bureau’s operations.
All expenditures, he said, were made in line with the Anambra State Procurement Law.
Chairman of the House Public Accounts Committee, Noble Igwe, who represents Ogbaru II Constituency, affirmed that the purpose of the meeting was to verify the Bureau’s audited accounts for the period covering January 1 to December 31, 2024, as submitted by the State Auditor-General.
Igwe further emphasised the role of accurate data in governance, urging the Bureau to ensure that all arms of government have access to reliable statistical information for planning and execution.
Other committee members present at the meeting included Golden Iloh (Ihiala II), Hon. Augustine Ikeh (Nnewi North), Patrick Udoba (Anambra West), Ibemeka (Idemili North), and Anthony Muobuike (Aguata II).