Stakeholders call for effective statistical delivery in Nigeria

By Okeoghene Akubuike

Stakeholders say there is the need to transform the National Statistical System (NSS) to ensure effective statistical delivery in Nigeria.

They spoke at a validation workshop on the Draft National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) Phase III, 2024-2028 in Abuja on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in October 2023, a national stakeholders workshop on the production of the NSDS Phase III, 2024-2028 was held in the Northern and Southern zones of the country.

The Statistician-General (S-G) of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran said the NSDS was a crucial document that outlined the strategic direction for the development of statistics in Nigeria over the next five years.

“It serves as a guide for the development of statistical programmes and activities in the country both at the national and sub-national levels.

“The NSDS aims to enhance the production, dissemination, and use of high-quality statistics to support evidence-based decision-making in all sectors of the economy.

“It is essential, therefore, to note that this validation workshop is a significant milestone in the development process of the NSDS.

“As it provides an important opportunity for stakeholders to review and provide feedback on the draft NSDS document.

“Your valuable inputs will be carefully considered and incorporated into the final version of the NSDS.

This will help us develop a document that is reflective of all stakeholders’ views, more robust and inclusive.”

Adeniran said the strategy would play a key role in ensuring that Nigeria could produce and use high-quality statistics to monitor progress towards achieving the global development agenda, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Neboolisa Anako, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, said the NSDC was an important document to drive development of the statistical system in Nigeria.

Anako, represented by Felix Okonkwo, the Director, Economic Analysis at the ministry urged the participants to give the strategy a final push.

“We must ensure that this draft document reflects valid concerns, and suggestions for a more progressive, robust and vibrant statistical system in Nigeria.”

He commended the NBS for ensuring the NSDS aligned with international best practices including aligning with the National Development Plan.

“The strategy is to address the gaps and challenges in our statistical system and ensure the quality, relevance and availability of the statistics for policymaking, planning, monitoring and evaluation are in place.”

Anako said the ministry would continue to support the NBS to achieve and realise the aims and objectives of the NSDC through the lifespan of the strategy development.

Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka, the Chairman, Committee on National Planning and Economic Development, said the House of Representatives remained committed to supporting the NBS to achieve its mandate.

“I am glad to tell you that depending on how the S-G and his team can convince my committee based on the referral we have we shall be willing to assist them to see how we can remove them from the envelope system.

“We will continue to provide legislative support to the NBS and endure adequate funding and resources, support for the statistical process.

“Together let us work collaboratively with openness and determination toward a more inclusive, transparent, and effective statistical system that will drive Nigeria’s progress and prosperity in the years to come.’’

Isiaka said the NSDC would pave the way for a data-driven future Nigeria would be proud of.
Dr Fanen Ade, the Social Protection Specialist, World Bank, commended the NBS under the leadership of the S-G.

“What the NBS is doing in Nigeria is at par with any county in the world under the leadership of the S-G who has made statistics and data very prominent. We thank you for the good work.

“It is not every country that has a strategy most countries just keep going and if you are going like that it means you are groping in the dark and Nigeria is one of the exceptions.

“We have taken the sample size to look at different countries in Africa that have this type of strategy and are using the resource in this way and Nigeria is at the top.’’

Ade said the World Bank would continue to support Nigeria based on a plan and strategy and work closely with the NBS and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams