Staff drawn from Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS) Departments from various federal Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) were on Monday trained on formulation and development of sector strategic plans in Edo.

The five-day capacity building workshop which began on December 2, was organised by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Dr Emeka Obi said the workshop was designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and tools for crafting National Development Plan (NDP) 2026 - 2030.

Obi noted that PRS departments of all MDAs were the brain boxes of governments at all levels in designing policies and programmes hence the capacity building training.

He explained that the ministry was poised to play a significant role in the effective coordination of MDAs towards achieving the goals of national development, adding that the Ministry has been repositioned by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation with the creation of Plans and Projects as a Department in the Ministry.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Chioma Nzewi, assistant director, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development thanked the Ministry of Budget for the capacity building workshop.

Nzewi noted that capacity building plays a transformative role by equipping participants with sound research methodologies and skills to translate information into actionable strategies.

Earlier in his welcome address, Mr Kenneth Kwujeli, Director, Plans and Projects, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning appealed to participants to take the training seriously.

Kwujeli said the training would empower participants to craft sectoral strategies that were not only well-informed but also impactful, fostering economic growth and sustainable development.

According to him, capacity building in planning, research, and statistics is not just an investment in individual skills but a cornerstone for national development.