Minister Nganou Djoumessi handed over the donation on Monday, July 29, 2013.

The National Institute of Statistics (NIS) yesterday July 29, received a huge package from the European Union in partnership with the Cameroon government worth FCFA 2.4 billion FCFA to enhance quality statistics in the country.

The equipment included 11 hilux pick-ups for the ten regions, 110 P4 computers, 40 I-pads, 35 LaserJet printers, 25 digital flatbed scanners, 15 lab tops, three video projectors, two generators and two photocopiers. Though the chunk of equipment went to the National Institute of Statistics, some 14 Ministries including MINADER, MINATD, MINPMESSA and MINHDU received P4 computers, Scanners and printers to equally boost statistics.

Chairing the reception ceremony, the Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi saluted the efforts of the European Union (EU) saying they always stand by Cameroon. He hoped EU-Cameroon cooperation should continue yielding positive fruits. Nganou Djoumessi explained that the donation falls within the framework of the support programme on reform in public finances, in the sector of national statistics system dubbed PARFIP/SSN.

The General Manager of NIS, Joseph Tedou said the vehicles will be judiciously used on the field to collect information from the 10 regions for publication while the office equipment will enhance the processing of information and will also guarantee statistics storage. Though statistics were available in the past, with the possession of the equipment and more especially vehicles, the GM said the task will be facilitated because workers will no longer use their private vehicles, public transport or bikes which were risky.

During the ceremony, the representative of European Union, Clemens Schroeter said EU signed a grant of three million Euros, about FCFA Two billion last year to assist Cameroon develop its statistics strategy and have a consistent and much coordinated information system.