Posted by Chinenye on Fri 17th Apr, 2026 - tori.ng
The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has successfully validated the Katsina State General Household Survey, marking a major shift toward evidence-based governance.
(Stakeholders During The Validation Survey. Photo Credit: Punch)
The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has successfully validated the Katsina State General Household Survey, marking a major shift toward evidence-based governance.
As partners gathered to validate the Katsina State General Household Survey, the Katsina State Government and the United Nations Children's Fund emphasized the significance of trustworthy data in addressing socio-economic concerns.
UNICEF Nigeria's Emergency Manager, Dorica Tasuzgika Phiri, spoke during the one-day validation exercise on Thursday and characterized the survey as a vital instrument for efficient government and better results for children and vulnerable groups.
She praised the Katsina State Bureau of Statistics for leading the initiative and encouraging cooperation between development partners and ministries.
Phiri noted that generating timely, reliable and disaggregated data goes beyond technical requirements, stressing that it was essential for informed decision-making, especially amid ongoing economic hardship, insecurity, and widespread deprivation affecting women and children in the state.
“This is not optional, it is essential,” she said, adding that the survey findings would help direct resources to where they are most needed and support better policy decisions. She further highlighted that the validation process would ensure data accuracy while promoting collective ownership of the results.
Recognizing that no dataset is flawless, Phiri encouraged stakeholders to identify gaps and use them as opportunities for improvement to produce credible and actionable outcomes.
"I am aware that throughout Katsina, you have been dealing with a lot of multiple pressures, economic challenges, insecurity, and the deprivation of a lot of women and children. So, in such a context, you need evidence-based decision-making.
"This is not a choice. It is essential. So the findings from the survey I know will help us to make better decisions for the vulnerable populations and their families and put the resources really where it’s most needed.
“For UNICEF, this data is fundamental to advocating for the results of children and to helping the government to reach those. It also strengthens our collective ability to plan, prioritise, and rightly so, monitor our progress.
“So today’s validation for us is a critical step to confirm the quality and accuracy of the data, but also to build a shared ownership of the results for the first time.
Thus, nothing is flawless. I believe the professor brought this up correctly. So let's own up to our mistakes and take use of the chance to do better.
“And I really encourage constructive discussion so that we can have final outputs that are credible, that are actionable, and widely used. So moving forward, the real value of this survey will be measured by how effectively it informs policy planning, budgeting decisions at both state and local levels, but it also really measures progress, as the professor has mentioned. This needs to be monitored and not have it as business as usual."
"UNICEF is still dedicated to and appreciative of this process, to support the government of Katsina State in translating this evidence into the improvement of the lives of children and families,” she said.
Talking about, the Katsina State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Malik Anas, represented by the ministry’s Director of Budget, Abdulrahman Umar, described the exercise as a crucial step toward ensuring credible and reliable data for planning and service delivery.
He showed gratitude to Governor Dikko Radda for his commitment to strengthening data systems and promoting evidence-based governance, noting that the administration’s support had enhanced initiatives aimed at improving socio-economic development and citizens’ welfare.
“His leadership has significantly reshaped the narrative by ensuring the availability of reliable data to support planning and decision-making processes.
The commissioner said, "The validation exercise for today provides a valuable opportunity to critically examine the survey findings, exchange insights, and collectively ensure that the data generated accurately reflects the realities of households within our communities.”
The commissioner also praised the State Statistician-General, Saifullahi Ibrahim, for his leadership in transforming Katsina into a data-driven state, noting that the availability of credible data had improved planning processes.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the State Statistician-General, Saifullahi Ibrahim, further acknowledged UNICEF and other development partners for their technical and financial support across key sectors.
Speaking in support of Civil Society Organisations in Katsina State, Muhammad Maifada, urged the government to ensure that the data accurately reflects household realities across communities in the state.
At the state and municipal government levels, the validation process is anticipated to improve budgetary choices, policy planning, and development progress tracking.