By Akanji Alowolodu
The Statistician-General of Bauchi State, Dr. Salisu Ibrahim Waziri, has stressed the need for improved data quality, saying reliable data is the foundation for better healthcare delivery and effective decision-making.
Dr. Waziri stated this while presenting a paper at a one-day Quarterly Data Review Meeting with Directors of Planning, Research and Statistics (DPRS) on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), Maternal Health (MH) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The meeting was organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
In his presentation titled “Strengthening Data Quality and Reporting Systems for Better Health Outcomes in Bauchi State: Towards Efficient Decision-Making for a Healthier Population,” the Statistician-General described data quality as a service-delivery function rather than an administrative afterthought.
He said reliable reporting would provide government and stakeholders with the evidence required to make informed decisions and improve health outcomes across the state.
Dr. Waziri noted concerns over the completeness and validity of health data, citing a multi-state study which reportedly placed Bauchi's data completeness at 37 percent, while the validity of the family planning indicator was reported at 38 percent.
He also highlighted challenges at the frontline, noting that Community Health Workers are responsible for a significant share of report compilation, while a needs assessment found that none of the visited facilities had computers for data management.
According to him, frontline reporting is critical because it connects what happens in communities with decisions taken at the state level.
He said the health data ecosystem was gradually moving from paper-based reporting to digital insights, with DHIS2 serving as the backbone of Nigeria's routine health information system.
Dr. Waziri explained that the platform supports real-time reporting, government ownership and accountability, adding that Bauchi State had scaled it up with a Routine Immunization module, while the USAID Integrated Health Programme had supported improvements across more than 1,391 health facilities.
He, however, stressed that better reporting alone was not enough, saying data only creates value when people can interpret it and act on it.
The Statistician-General called for the integration of fragmented data systems to provide a comprehensive picture of health service delivery across Bauchi State.
He said the Bauchi State Bureau of Statistics, as the custodian of official statistics, sets standards, coordinates and assures data quality, builds statistical capacity, analyses and disseminates data for decision-makers.
Dr. Waziri added that the Bureau defines uniform indicators, data definitions and reporting formats used by relevant health institutions, conducts independent verification and quality audits, and trains facility and LGA data officers on statistical methods, data validation and the use of digital reporting tools.
He identified four priorities for transforming data reporting into tangible results: equipping frontline facilities, building a culture of data integrity, strengthening evidence-led review meetings, and ensuring clear ownership and accountability.
He advocated basic ICT infrastructure and connectivity for health facilities, offline-capable mobile reporting tools for remote areas, continuous training for Community Health Workers, and a zero-tolerance policy for data falsification.
He also called for routine quality checks, monthly feedback to facility teams, integration of data analytics into state review meetings, and the use of real-time data to identify service-delivery bottlenecks and direct resources to facilities with the greatest needs.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, Ibrahim Ahmed Rufai, said the quarterly review meeting was aimed at identifying gaps and challenges and agreeing on practical measures to improve data management and utilisation in the state.
He urged Directors of Planning, Research and Statistics to ensure that data generated by their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies contributes to strengthening the state's health data system.
Also speaking, the Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst of UNFPA and Bauchi State Coordinator, Deborah Tabara, said the meeting was an outcome of a previous training organised for DPRS and Monitoring and Evaluation officers from Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
She commended the Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination for its commitment to strengthening data systems in the state.
Tabara described data generation as a collective responsibility and urged MDAs to ensure that only quality data is produced and made available as a reliable baseline for programmes and development partners working in the state.
She reaffirmed UNFPA's commitment to working with the Bauchi State Government to harness the power of inclusive data for informed programming and better development outcomes.
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