Delta Govt. NBS launch two-day intensive workshop on State GDP compilation
The Delta Ministry of Economic Planning, in partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), on Wednesday commenced a two-day intensive training workshop on the computation of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The event organised by the Department of Statistics of the ministry, in Asaba, brought together statisticians, data officers and technical personnel from across the state.
Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, the State Director of Statistics, Ms Nkechi Maduemezia, emphasised the crucial role of accurate data in shaping economic policies and guiding development decisions.
Maduemezia noted that the State has, in recent years, deepened its commitment to improving the quality of its economic data.
She recalled that earlier in the year, statisticians across Nigeria participated in a five-day national workshop that culminated in the computation of GDP figures for all states for the 2019–2023 period.
“For Delta State, the exercise revealed a computed GDP of N14.6 trillion for 2023.
“This is a significant milestone and a testament to the collective effort of statisticians who worked tirelessly to ensure we have credible economic data,” she said.
The director described the current workshop as a refresher course, stressing that “no training is ever useless” as each provides new knowledge and unique insights.
Maduemezia urged participants to pay close attention to the facilitators and ask questions where necessary, underscoring the far-reaching impact of accuracy in statistical reporting.
“Statistics can make or mar.When you do the right thing and you have reliable data, it becomes a solid foundation for strengthening and improving the economy, ” said.
The director also commended Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori for his administration’s policies and initiatives geared toward boosting the state’s economy.
She noted that accurate GDP data is vital to advancing the Governor’s MORE Agenda.
The first lecture of the workshop was delivered by Egede Nkechi Ethel, Assistant Chief Statistician at the NBS, who spoke on “Introduction to State GDP”.
She highlighted the increasing need for state-level GDP estimation and stressed that achieving accuracy requires intentional effort and continuous methodological improvements.
This was followed by a technical session led by Mr. Ngwee Chukwuka of the NBS on “State GDP Computational Methodology.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that presentation covered computational methods, data requirements, borderline issues and the allocation of Gross Value Added (GVA) by industry at current prices.
Ngwee urged participants to rely on globally recognised documentation whenever in doubt.
He cited essential reference materials such as the System of National Accounts (SNA) 2008, the International Standard Manual for SGDP, ISIC 4.0, CPC 2.0, Balance of Payments Manual (BPM6) and the Government Finance Statistics Manual (2014).
