By EHIS IGBAUGBA

Amnesty International says the lack of accurate data collation by government agencies is a major factor contributing to underdevelopment in Nigeria.

The global human rights organisation made this known at the end of a two-day workshop on Saturday in Calabar.

The workshop, themed “Strengthening Human Rights Defenders to Protect Civic Space,” brought together participants to enhance capacity in human rights monitoring and advocacy.

A consultant with the organisation, Johnson Folahan, emphasised that data gathering for national development must be free from sentiments and assumptions.

Folahan noted that accurate data is critical for effective planning, adding that Nigeria’s longstanding challenges are partly due to a failure to prioritise credible data collation.

“Data is very important in all our endeavours, particularly in national planning.

“You cannot communicate the extent of a problem if you do not measure it, which is why data is central to any discussion on human rights violations.

“Most often, data churned out by some leaders are based on sentiments and assumptions. If we use accurate data for planning, Nigeria will make significant progress across all sectors,” he said.

Speaking on the topic, “Data Analysis on Human Rights Observation,” Folahan urged participants and volunteers to take the training seriously.

He highlighted observation, proper documentation, verification, analysis, and interpretation as critical components of accurate data collation.

In her remarks, the Programme Manager of Amnesty International, Barbara Magaji, said 30 participants would be trained and intellectually equipped by the end of the workshop.

Magaji noted that participants were expected to demonstrate commitment, actively engage in activities, and uphold the organisation’s values with integrity.

She added that the training would equip volunteers with the skills to effectively monitor, document, and report human rights abuses and other societal challenges.

“Young Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) are at the frontline of civic engagement in Nigeria, documenting abuses, mobilising communities, and holding authorities accountable.

“However, shrinking civic space—characterised by arrests, harassment, legal intimidation, and weak accountability—exposes them to significant risks that undermine their safety and effectiveness.

“In response, Amnesty International Nigeria, with support from the German Embassy Fund, is implementing a capacity-building project to equip young HRDs with the knowledge, skills, and safety tools needed for sustainable engagement in human rights work,” she said.

Magaji further explained that the training was the third in a series of regional workshops targeting 90 Amnesty International Nigeria volunteers across three regions.

According to her, the sessions were designed to provide structured, participatory learning that bridges theory and practice.

She said the training would enable participants to document violations responsibly, manage physical and digital risks, and engage effectively with Amnesty International’s advocacy and reporting systems.

“These efforts are aimed at strengthening the organisation’s capacity to share critical human rights developments with civil society, diplomatic missions, journalists, and other stakeholders,” she said.

Magaji expressed confidence that participants would leave the programme with enhanced capacity to monitor and report human rights developments effectively. (NAN)