In response to the staggering loss of N2.09 billion incurred through fraudulent online activities in the fourth quarter of 2023 and the escalating rate of crimes nationwide, the Federal Government has introduced a strategic plan aimed at curbing criminal activities. This announcement was made by the Statistician General (SG) of the Federation, Adeyemi Adeniran, during the launch of the Big Data and Data Science initiative at the First Bi-Annual Meeting of the National Consultative Committee on Statistics (NCCS) held in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Adeniran revealed that the significant financial loss was reported by the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to address such financial crimes. He emphasized that the deployment of advanced data analysis techniques could play a pivotal role in reducing crime rates across the country.
“While the benefits and potential of Big Data and Data Science are endless,” Adeniran stated, “harnessing its power comes with its own set of challenges and considerations.” He underscored the necessity for substantial and sustainable investment in the requisite infrastructure to effectively collect, store, manage, analyze, and disseminate vast amounts of information within the system.
Moreover, Adeniran emphasized the importance of developing a robust statistical system equipped with personnel skilled in data science, statistics, and data engineering. He stressed that this effort should be undertaken systematically and efficiently at all levels of government, including federal, state, and local levels.
The introduction of the Big Data and Data Science initiative signifies a proactive step towards leveraging technology and data analytics to combat crime effectively. By harnessing the power of data, authorities aim to enhance intelligence gathering, identify criminal patterns, and prevent fraudulent activities before they escalate.
As the Federal Government embarks on this innovative approach to law enforcement and crime prevention, stakeholders anticipate a significant reduction in criminal activities, fostering a safer and more secure environment for citizens nationwide.
