The World Bank has raised concerns over Nigeria’s lagging statistical performance, noting that the country falls behind aspirational peers such as Mexico, Colombia, South Africa, and Brazil.
During a courtesy visit to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, a World Bank delegation led by Country Director Ndiame Diop and Practice Manager for West and Central Africa Johan Mistiaen emphasized the urgent need for investment in Nigeria’s statistical system.
Nigeria’s Statistical System Needs Urgent Attention
In his presentation, titled “Next Level Statistics to Support Nigeria’s Reform and Growth Agenda,” Mistiaen pointed out that Nigeria’s statistical infrastructure is not on par with its developmental counterparts.
He recommended an annual investment of $10 million to $15 million to strengthen data collection, analysis, and dissemination, ensuring Nigeria can compete with its peers.
Responding to the concerns, Minister Abubakar Bagudu reassured the delegation that the Federal Government remains committed to the independence of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
He commended the NBS for consistently producing credible, data-driven reports relied upon by international organizations.
“There will be no government interference in the operations of the NBS,” Bagudu assured.
The Statistician-General of the Federation and NBS CEO, Adeyemi Adeniran, highlighted the importance of sustained funding and partnerships with development agencies to enhance Nigeria’s statistical performance.
He acknowledged the increase in budgetary allocation to the NBS, the highest in a decade, and expressed confidence that with continued investment, Nigeria can achieve global statistical standards.
