Implementing BRISIN project would solve data-related challenges

The Head of Italy-based Basic Registry and Information System (BRISIN), Prof. Vincenzo Naso, says his outfit is willing to assist Nigeria in tackling data-related challenges that need to be solved in order to make for effective planning and budgeting.

Head of the international data management system organisation while speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Abuja, told the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, that the failure to expedite action on the BRISIN project in the country has continued to rob the country of the inherent benefits of efficient planning and rapid economic development.

Prof. Naso and his team were in the country for the flag-off of the project, which has been on the drawing board since 2007, when an agreement was signed with Dermo Impex, the solution providers.

“Delaying this project has caused Nigeria some reasonable setback in credibility and proper economic planning. It has negatively affected internally generated revenue, fiscal policy and management, security control and migration monitor as well as provision of social welfare
services,” he said.

While stressing that the delay in implementing the BRISIN project is holding back foreign investors, as well as stalling the European Union’s confirmation of participation in the scheme, Naso expressed regrets that prospective investors may reconsider their participation in the project unless the Federal Government shows enough commitment by releasing funds for the pilot scheme in the Federal Capital Territory.

Senator Udoma, who described the project as very useful to proper planning and organised development, promised to ensure its prompt implementation as soon as he receives the report of the technical team supervised by the Statistician-General of the Federation.