Edo moves to deepen data-driven governance, strengthens digital partnership

BENIN CITY — In a decisive push to accelerate digital transformation and entrench data-driven governance, the Edo State Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy has strengthened institutional collaboration with the Edo State Bureau of Statistics, signalling a renewed commitment to innovation, transparency and inclusive growth.

The high-level strategic meeting, convened by the Commissioner for Communication and Digital Economy, Hon. Ohimai Ehijimetor, held at the conference room of the Bureau of Statistics at Palm House in Benin City, brought together top officials from both institutions to chart a unified pathway for leveraging data and technology in governance.

Speaking at the session, Ehijimetor described the engagement as productive and forward-looking, stressing the urgency of forging stronger partnerships that will enhance data utilisation, drive technological advancement and expand economic opportunities for residents of the state.

He emphasised that closer collaboration between the ministry and the Bureau would strengthen the foundations of evidence-based policymaking while accelerating Edo’s transition into a digitally enabled economy.

Also speaking, the Edo State Statistician-General, Mr. Abiebhode Bashiru, said the meeting marked a critical step towards identifying areas of synergy between both institutions.

He listed key focus areas to include the development of digital infrastructure, promotion of digital innovation ecosystems, deployment of smart governance solutions, and strengthening of statistical systems for improved planning and policy implementation.

Bashiru noted that aligning the state’s statistical framework with emerging digital tools would enhance the quality, accessibility and reliability of data required for effective governance.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, Mrs. Jennifer E. N. Aisuan, underscored the pivotal role of data in shaping responsive government policies. She also introduced a prototype web portal developed by the ministry, designed to support seamless access to government data and services.

Further demonstrating the state’s digital drive, the Acting Director of Planning, Research and Policy in the ministry, Mr. Wilson Asenogua, presented the Edo Open Portal — an innovative digital platform aimed at improving public access to data, boosting transparency and promoting evidence-based decision-making.

Asenogua explained that the portal is expected to serve as a critical resource hub for citizens, students, investors, researchers and policymakers by providing reliable and user-friendly access to state data.

Officials of the Bureau of Statistics, in their contributions, stressed the importance of sustained collaboration between both institutions, describing it as vital to unlocking sustainable development and positioning Edo State as a leading hub for digital innovation.

They expressed optimism that the partnership would drive impactful initiatives capable of empowering young people, improving public service delivery and attracting investments that would stimulate economic growth.

The engagement aligns with the broader digital transformation agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration and reflects the objectives of the SHINE Agenda, which seeks to build a smarter, more connected and data-driven Edo State.