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NIPSS Chief Urges Data Harmonisation for National Security and Development


Abuja: Prof. Ayo Omotayo, Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), has advocated for the harmonisation of data across all government agencies to address national security and developmental challenges effectively. Omotayo made this assertion at the inauguration of the Leadership Course in Data Mining and Geospatial Intelligence, organised by the institute in partnership with Peace Building Development Consult (PBDC), and hosted by the Defence Space Administration (DSA).



According to News Agency of Nigeria, Omotayo expressed concern over the fragmented nature of data management in the country, highlighting that numerous organisations hold vast and valuable data sets that are not interconnected, thus complicating timely access to necessary information. He emphasised the importance of creating an ecosystem of data miners to conserve resources and improve data interrogation processes.



Omotayo pointed out that extensive amounts of data in Nigeria remain isolated, with data centres operating independently and housing significant information about Nigerian citizens. He stressed the need for synergy among data-gathering agencies to bolster national security, suggesting that personal identification numbers (NIN) should be universally accessible to track individuals’ activities within the country.



The course is also designed to enhance leadership capabilities, bringing together data centre operators and decision-makers to foster economic growth and informed decision-making. NIPSS is collaborating with the Defence Space Administration, recognised as a crucial data hub for the nation.



Meanwhile, Mr. Kayode Bolaji, Executive Director of PBDC, noted that the course aims to help participants identify their strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to combine their capabilities to enhance national security. Bolaji underscored that data is essential not only for security and intelligence but also for resource management and industry collaboration.



The current course, the second in the series, includes participants from the private sector and various security, intelligence, and government agencies. It will leverage DSA’s facilities to offer study tours of its units, enriching participants’ understanding. Bolaji expressed hope that participants would establish connections with security agencies to utilise available data for improved security management, noting that such integration is uncommon in Nigeria.