The Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) has proposed a partnership with the state government to improve governance through targeted capacity-building programmes for civil servants, particularly in policy development, planning, and data-driven decision-making.
The proposal was contained in a statement made available to our correspondent on Tuesday, outlining plans to train officers working in planning, statistics, and data analysis across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the state.
NES explained that the initiative is aimed at strengthening evidence-based governance and improving policy outcomes through better use of data and research in public administration.
The proposal was presented during a courtesy visit by the NES executive team, led by its Chairperson, Prof. Comfort Moradeke Amire of Crawford University, to the Ogun State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr Olaolu Olabimtan, at the ministry in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Amire noted that the training programme would equip public officials with stronger analytical and planning skills needed for effective policy implementation and service delivery.
She added that the society remains committed to supporting sustainable development through research, training, and policy advisory services.
“The proposed capacity-building training programme was designed to enhance the capacity of government personnel in data analysis, planning and policy implementation.
“The initiative forms part of the society’s commitment to supporting evidence-based governance and sustainable economic development in Ogun State,” she said.
She further disclosed plans by the society to introduce an annual State Economic Outlook Report, improve policy evaluation systems, and establish a knowledge platform for continuous training and research within government institutions.
According to her, NES has the technical capacity to support government efforts in economic modelling, policy analysis, and development planning.
“The Nigerian Economic Society possesses the expertise required to support the government in policy research, economic modelling and capacity development.
“We are committed to partnering with Ogun State to achieve sustainable development and improved governance outcomes,” she added.
Responding, Commissioner Olabimtan stressed the need for planning based on reliable data, noting that Ogun State’s industrial base and academic institutions provide strong advantages for development planning.
He said, “Ogun State is blessed with a high concentration of industries and tertiary institutions. We need a clear data-driven development plan,” he said.
He expressed support for the initiative and called for a structured funding arrangement to ensure smooth implementation.
Olabimtan also urged NES to develop a detailed framework showing how it could contribute to the state’s economic planning process.
“I want the society to come up with a working document that clearly shows how it can assist the government in harnessing the full potential of the Ogun State economy,” he said.
He further proposed an economic summit that would bring together stakeholders to design practical strategies for planning, policy development, and economic growth in the state.