NBS: We’re addressing gaps, challenges hindering production of unified data

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says it is working hard on closing the gaps hindering the production of unified data.

Adeyemi Adeniran, statistician-general of the Federation, spoke on Monday at a two–day stakeholders’ workshop in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.

The workshop was themed ‘To assess the national statistical system (NSS) harness inputs and proffer recommendations for the development of NSDS in Nigeria’.

Adediran said the bureau would build a stronger and more vibrant statistical system that would ensure the economic development of the country.

He said it was imperative to forge a robust strategy to guide the growth and development of the system that would be responsible for producing the data that the country would depend on.

“Over the past couple of months, NBS, in line with its role and position as the coordinator of the statistical system in Nigeria, has been working tirelessly on the process of developing a new NSDS in Nigeria,” the statistician-general said.

“Statistics, often hailed as the ‘silent language of governance,’ form the bedrock of an informed and thriving society.

“They guide policy formulation, resource allocation, and progress evaluation.

“As we convene today for this crucial task, let us recognise that statistics go beyond mere numbers; they articulate the narrative of the situation in society, inform decisions, policies, and programmes, and pave the way for a brighter future.

“The accuracy and quality of our statistics are paramount. We must continuously strive for excellence in data collection, analysis, and dissemination to maintain the trust and confidence of our data users and policymakers.

“The quality of the output, the soundness of methodology and processes, and the robustness of our data sources are extremely vital and require due attention under this new strategy.

“We will continue to work together to build a stronger and more vibrant statistical system that is capable and well-resourced to produce and facilitate the use of data in our progress toward sustainable development.

“By doing so, we will fulfil our mandate and contribute to a data-driven, progressive, and economically viable Nigeria that works for the benefit of all our citizens.”

Adeniran said NBS would foster collaborations with local and international organisations, academia, and the private sector, to access resources, knowledge, and technical assistance and advance the nation’s statistical system.

On his part, Umo Eno, governor of Akwa Ibom commended the NBS for their efforts to modernise the statistical system at all levels in the country.

Eno, who was represented by Emem Bob, commissioner for economic development, said such efforts would enable the production of official statistics that all stakeholders would rely on for their respective programmes and projects.

Also speaking at the event, Peter Akpan, state director of statistics, said in the present era of data, official statistics were indispensable for effective governance and development.

Akpan said it was necessary to modernise the state and national statistical system in a way that would reflect the internationally recognised framework.