EX-LAGOS COMMISSIONER URGES DATA-DRIVEN APPROACH TO GOVERNANCE

Former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Akinwale Lawanson, has urged government officials to adopt a data-driven approach to governance, saying public decisions should be based on evidence rather than assumptions.

Lawanson made the call after receiving a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration from Lagos State University during the institution’s 29th and 30th Convocation Ceremony.

He said his doctoral studies strengthened his understanding of how research, data and evidence could be used to identify and address complex problems in governance, business and public administration.

According to Lawanson, government officials must first properly define public problems before determining the information and data required to understand them.

He said relying on reliable data would enable policymakers to better understand citizens’ needs and develop policies capable of producing measurable results.

The former commissioner also stressed that collecting data was only the first step, noting that government officials must be able to analyse the information and translate findings into practical solutions.

He said strong management skills were equally important in turning evidence-based policies into tangible outcomes.

Lawanson argued that decisions affecting citizens’ lives, livelihoods and welfare should not be driven by sentiments or assumptions but by proper analysis and a clear understanding of the issues involved.

He expressed optimism that greater reliance on evidence would improve public administration and strengthen government’s ability to respond to emerging challenges.

Lawanson served as Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation from January 2018 to May 2019 and has experience across transportation, infrastructure, logistics, business development, capital markets, insurance and renewable energy.

He said his experience in public administration had reinforced the importance of combining research, data analysis and effective management in solving complex societal problems.