‘Nigeria can harness open data for development’

United Kingdom-based data expert, Gideon Abegunrin, has emphasised the transformative potential of open data in driving sustainable development in Nigeria.

The expert said this at a press conference for the Niger Delta Digital Summit recently.

Abegunrin said, “Nigeria and other developing countries can tap into the vast benefits of open data but must prioritise investing in open data protection and sourcing for productive use by policymakers.

“Nigeria is now in an era where data is considered “the new oil while the Fourth Industrial Revolution presents an opportunity to leverage open data for sustainable development, particularly in Nigeria.”

According to Abegunrin, open data, accessible to all, is globally recognized for enhancing transparency, innovation, and economic growth.

He highlighted its potential to improve public services, decision-making, and accountability.

Abegunrin emphasised that by harnessing open data, Nigeria can unlock Nigerian potential for sustainable development and join the global movement toward a more transparent and innovative future.

He, however, said for open data to truly drive sustainable development, it must be managed responsibly and made accessible to everyone, from policymakers to ordinary citizens.

“The world has changed remarkably over the years, and we are now in an era where data has been reputed to be the new oil. The Fourth Industrial Revolution presents us with an opportunity to leverage open data for sustainable development, particularly in a country like Nigeria.

According to Abegunrin, in a system where data is accessible to all, there is less room for corruption and inefficiency. Citizens can hold public officials accountable, and decision-makers can make informed choices based on reliable data,” he stated.

“In the fight against global warming and climate change, open data enables researchers to monitor environmental changes and develop strategies to mitigate their impact,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Aviation Ground Handling Association of Nigeria, Olaniyi Adigun, stated that for the industry to rise above the multiple challenges currently facing it in the country, it must have credible data to track activities as well as achievements.

Adigun spoke at a gathering of aviation stakeholders recently in Lagos, regretting that the sector was yet to be taken as a critical business as being done elsewhere.

He also said the need for collaboration and consolidation cannot be overemphasised in the journey to achieve prosperity in the Nigerian aviation sector.