Next week, The World Bank Institute, Africa Media Initiative and International Center for Journalists host the Data Clinic in preparation for the upcoming launch of Nigeria’s Open Data Initiative, which already has a commitment of $1m. The Open Data Initiative is very important to the Minister of Communication and Technology and we had this elevator discussion in London. She said this this is a crucial step for Nigeria’s membership of the Open Government Partnership. 

Nigeria will need more than launching an open data initiative, as several institutional processes that underpin open, transparent and accountable governance have to be strengthened. Dangling on Nigeria’s President head is the unending issue of an Aviation Minister who went above budget rules to approve purchase of two bulletproof expensive cars and $10.8bn oil receipts that is yet to be properly accounted for. To join the Open Government Partnership and not strengthen institutions that underlie an open and efficient government will not help in transmitting its importance to Nigerians.

However, the route of Open Data is commendable and the 2-day event is organized to ensure that we get it right and that a final platform that is useable and functional for ordinary citizens emerge.  This will be the best gathering of data wranglers, developers, open data activists, civic engagement pioneers, journalists and leads of non-governmental organizations. I will be the making the opening presentation at the event with the title “What is Open Data?” As I sit back and think through, I remember my cardinal points as regards Open Data:

• Open Data must Actionable: The power of open data is in its use to initiate action.

• Educate the Citizens:  Getting granular with the context of the data is most critical to build a mass of followership that understands thematic areas in view.

• An Incentive for the Community: Open Data needs to be citizen-centered. There is a need to focus on building open data right to the mind of the individual on things that matters to the collective.

• Craft Varied Stories:  It must bring forth human angle stories by converting stack of information to a moving narrative that drives a sense of ownership in the user.

•   Get Feedback to Institutions: Open Data cannot be driven on a one-way lane. Access to data isn’t enough. It must be linked with a feedback system that allows citizens or users to reach elected officials, public servants and other stakeholders at the supply side.

Open Data as codified in CSV, XML, JSON and other formats is the next layer from the crude/sterile state of pdf and other closed formats.  Raising it to a level that stimulate interests is to think of the complements or derivatives of open data- visualizations, infographics, data stories, charts, apps etc. This is why these might be a nerdy gathering and it will be so needed as the mixed performance story of the Kenya Open Data has been publicly streamed. Nigeria will need to do better. I look forward to an era of explosion of apps, user engagement, feedback and institutional improvement. We Hope – a Nigerian staple –  we get this right as we raise a community ready to toil on what works best for Nigeria.  Lest I forget, International Center for Journalists, Africa Media Initiative and host of others  are launching  HALA, a health journalism initiative that intersects storytelling with institutional improvement. I will also inform you about the AccessNG&SL project (funded by US State Department) which seeks to explore accountability in justice and security sectors using a data-driven approach. The best is about to explore and we will MINT our way up there.

See you in Abuja.

ttyl