By Ebi Kesiena
The World Bank has raised concerns over Nigeria’s underperforming statistical system, stating that the country lags behind its aspirational peers, including Mexico, Colombia, South Africa, and Brazil.
During a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, in Abuja, a World Bank team led by Country Director Ndiame Diop and Practice Manager for West and Central Africa, Johan Mistiaen, emphasised the need for urgent improvements. Mistiaen noted that Nigeria’s statistical infrastructure does not meet the standards of its developmental counterparts.
He recommended an annual investment of $10 million to $15 million to enhance statistical performance and align Nigeria with its peers. A statement from the budget ministry echoed this recommendation, highlighting the potential benefits of improved funding for data collection and analysis.
In response, Senator Bagudu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining the independence of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). He praised the agency for consistently providing credible data relied upon by international organisations and assured that there would be no government interference in its operations.
The minister also expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its continued financial and technical support, which he described as vital for strengthening the NBS.
Additionally, the Statistician-General of the Federation and CEO of the NBS, Adeyemi Adeniran, emphasised the importance of increased investment in statistical systems for national development.
He commended the Federal Government for raising the agency’s budgetary allocation to its highest level in a decade.
