From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
In a bid to build a more prosperous and equitable future for all in Nigeria, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has emphasised the importance of making data more accessible at the sub-national level, saying the bureau is working on Data Innovation Laboratory to facilitate seamless data exchange and dissemination
The Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the NBS, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, made the statement in the keynote address he deluvered at the second bi-annual meeting of the National Consultative Committee on Statistics (NCCS) 2023.
The meeting, themed: “Data Accessibility and Dissemination at the Sub-national Level,” was declared open by the deputy governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Adebayo Lawal, on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde.
Adeniran highlighted the need for accurate, timely, and accessible data, stressing that it is the responsibility of data custodians in Nigeria to ensure that data is not only collected and analysed but also disseminated effectively to empower decision-makers at all levels.
He noted that Nigeria is a diverse and dynamic nation with unique challenges and opportunities, and to address the needs of the population adequately, sub-national entities must be empowered with the tools and information necessary to make informed decisions, tailored to their specific contexts.
The Statistician-General further emphasised the importance of a robust and inclusive data collection process. He urged collaborative efforts to enhance the granularity and accuracy of data, ensuring that data collection instruments and analysis tools are designed to reflect the nuances and peculiarities of each sub-national entity.
Adeniran also stressed the need for a framework for data sharing and collaboration, acknowledging the sensitivities surrounding certain types of information. He called for a culture of openness and cooperation among data producers and suppliers, fostering strong partnerships and adopting standardised protocols for data exchange to enhance the overall quality of statistical outputs.
The NBS, according to him, is actively working towards developing a Data Innovation Laboratory that would facilitate data exchange, sharing, and dissemination in a user-friendly manner. He added that the effort is part of the upcoming National Strategy for the Development of Statistics, which aims to enhance the accessibility and dissemination of data at the sub-national level.
His words: “At the heart of this theme is the recognition that Nigeria is a diverse and dynamic nation, comprised of states and regions with unique challenges and opportunities. To address the needs of our diverse population adequately, we must empower our sub-national entities with the tools and information necessary to make informed decisions tailored to their specific contexts
“This issue of data accessibility and dissemination at the sub-national level is one of the contemporary issues that has emerged from several inputs and suggestions we have received during recent stakeholder engagements we have had in the past month, towards the development of the third phase new National Strategy for the Development of Statistics, (NSDS), which you are all familiar with, given your participation in the consultations.”
Governor Seyi Makinde, in his keynote address read by the deputy governor, Adebayo Lawal, on the occasion, commended the NBS for holding the meeting in Ibadan and for their commitment to releasing timely data for evidence-based planning in Nigeria.
He advocated effective collaboration between the NBS and the State Statistical Agency, especially the Oyo State Bureau of Statistics, to ensure reliable and comprehensive data is available at the sub-national level for evidence-based decision-making.
“Without mincing words, I wish to state that Oyo State Government recognises the fact that good statistical information is very essential to achieving the 2040 State Development Plan (SDP) and 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is in realisation of this fact that the S
state government took positive steps by implementing projects and programmes using data, science and logic. Therefore, this administration under my able leadership will continue to use data, science and logic to arrive at the best decisions that will positively affect the good people of Oyo State.”