By Ese Obote-Ogwu
ASABA/Nigeria: The Director of Statistics in the Delta State Ministry of Economic Planning, Ms. Nkechi Madumezia, has underscored the importance of compiling the State Gross Domestic Product (SGDP), stressing that it enables government to design and implement policies that drive economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen the state’s economy.
Madumezia made the remarks at a three-day intensive training workshop on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) organized in Asaba for statisticians and statistical officers by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in collaboration with the World Bank and the Department of Statistics in the Ministry of Economic Planning.
She emphasized the need for full participation in the training, noting that it would equip statisticians with the skills and expertise required to address future challenges in their professional roles. According to her, the workshop was designed to strengthen the capacity of statisticians, align state practices with national statistical methodologies, and foster collaboration for better data quality and usage.
The training featured two facilitators from the NBS, Mrs. Margaret Akinwunmi and Mr. Bartholomew Ngwee, who delivered in-depth sessions on key topics such as State GDP principles, computation methods, and the allocation of Gross Value Added (GVA) by industries. Their presentations offered participants a clearer understanding of the sectors driving growth, creating jobs, and fostering development in Delta State.
Participants were also introduced to the System of National Accounts (SNA) 2008 compilation manual, with detailed discussions on SGDP accounts, economic territory, and principles underpinning accurate economic measurement.
Speaking on the significance of the exercise, Ms. Madumezia noted that the compilation of the SGDP provides a comprehensive picture of the size and structure of Delta’s economy, enabling policymakers to identify opportunities and craft strategies that promote sustainable development.
The initiative is being supported through a World Bank-sponsored capacity-building programme, with technical backing from the NBS. The facilitators commended Delta State for its consistency in annual GDP compilation, describing it as a rare achievement among Nigerian states and evidence of the government’s commitment to evidence-based planning.
The training culminated in a peer review and practical session where participants engaged actively, clearing grey areas and exchanging ideas. Their dedication and punctuality, according to the organizers, made the session interactive, insightful, and impactful.
