The Department of Statistics, under the Delta State Ministry of Economic Planning, in partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), has launched a two-day training workshop on Delta State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), at the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat, Asaba.
In his welcome remarks on behalf of the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, the State Director of Statistics, Nkechi Maduemezia, urged participating statisticians to take full advantage of the workshop to equip themselves for the critical task of collecting accurate and reliable data for the compilation of the state’s GDP.
Maduemezia emphasized the importance of active engagement, encouraging participants to listen attentively and ask questions to gain a thorough understanding of what is required to produce a precise GDP for the state. She noted that the training would directly support the implementation of the MORE Agenda of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State.
The first lecture was delivered by Egede Nkechi Ethel, Assistant Chief Statistician at the NBS, who introduced participants to the concept of State GDP. She highlighted that estimating the State GDP is not only necessary but requires deliberate effort and ongoing improvement.
Following this, Mr. Ngwee Bartholomew Chukwuka, also from the NBS, guided participants through the “State GDP Computational Methodology.” His session covered SGDP computation methods, data requirements, approaches to compiling state GVA, handling borderline issues, and allocating GVA across industries at current prices.
On the framework for compiling SGDP, Ngwee advised participants to refer to the System of National Accounts (SNA) 2008 and other key reference materials, including the International Standard Manual for SGDP, International Standard Industrial Classification of Economic Activities (SIC 4.0), Central Product Classification (CPC 2.0), Balance of Payments Manual Version 6, and the Government Finance Statistics Manual 2014.
The workshop continues today at the same venue, offering further opportunities for statisticians to deepen their knowledge and skills in GDP compilation.
