In a renewed drive to promote transparency and citizen engagement in economic policymaking, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have jointly unveiled the critical elements of Nigeria’s ongoing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rebasing exercise.
The initiative, presented during a sensitisation event, is aimed at fostering public understanding and inclusivity in the rebasing process. According to the agencies, the exercise seeks to deliver a more accurate and current representation of the Nigerian economy by updating methodologies, incorporating new economic indicators and accounting for emerging sectors.
NOA’s director-general, Mallam Isa Lanre Onilu, speaking at the event, emphasised the importance of involving the public in key national data conversations, particularly those with direct implications for development planning and governance.
“The rebasing of our GDP is not just a statistical adjustment; it is a national exercise that reflects our evolving economy. It is important that Nigerians understand what this means for policy, development and everyday life,” Onilu said.
The NOA’s participation in the exercise highlights its mandate to bridge the gap between government policies and public awareness. The agency plans to roll out a nationwide advocacy and sensitisation campaign aimed at educating citizens, dispelling misconceptions about GDP rebasing and encouraging active engagement with the data.
Nigeria’s last GDP rebasing was conducted in 2014. The current update is expected to align national economic data with global standards, and provide a clearer picture of the country’s economic structure and size. With the inclusion of new and fast-growing sectors, such as technology, digital services and the creative industry, the revised figures are projected to better reflect present-day market realities.
Both the NOA and NBS reiterated their commitment to promoting data-driven governance and inclusive economic planning. They encouraged citizens to stay informed, ask questions and actively participate in national conversations surrounding economic indicators and reforms.
“This exercise is vital to ensuring that policies and development efforts are based on accurate and comprehensive data. It is also a necessary step toward positioning Nigeria more competitively within the global economic landscape,” said an NBS official at the event.
The agencies expressed optimism that with greater public engagement, the rebased GDP would not only improve statistical accuracy but also enhance trust in national economic data and decisions.