World Bank Raises Concerns Over Quality of Nigeria’s Statistical Data

The World Bank has raised concerns about Nigeria’s statistical quality, indicating that it trails behind countries like Mexico, Colombia, South Africa, and Brazil. Recommendations include an annual investment of $10-15 million in statistics. Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning reaffirmed support for the National Bureau of Statistics, emphasizing its independence and the recent budget increase.

The World Bank has voiced its concerns regarding the inadequate quality of Nigeria’s statistics, highlighting its lag behind comparable nations such as Mexico, Colombia, South Africa, and Brazil. This observation was made during a meeting between a World Bank delegation, led by Country Director Ndiame Diop, and Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu.

In a presentation entitled “Next Level Statistics to Support Nigeria’s Reform and Growth Agenda,” Mr. Johan Mistiaen, the Practice Manager for West and Central Africa, noted that Nigeria’s statistical systems require significant improvement to match its developmental peers. He recommended an annual investment of approximately $10 million to $15 million to enhance the nation’s statistical infrastructure.

The presentation underscored that Nigeria’s statistical capabilities are currently lacking in comparison to its aspirational counterparts, stating that such investment could elevate its performance. Senator Bagudu responded affirmatively, pledging the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining the independence of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and acknowledging its reliable data outputs.

The Minister commended the NBS for consistently providing credible data that international organizations utilize, emphasizing that there will be no governmental interference in the Bureau’s operations. He further expressed gratitude towards the World Bank for its ongoing financial and technical support, which he deems essential for the Bureau’s development.

Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, the Statistician-General of the Federation, echoed the sentiments of the importance of improved statistical investment for national growth. He noted the Federal Government’s decision to increase the agency’s budget allocation to the highest level in a decade, emphasizing that with continued funding and collaboration with development agencies, the NBS can achieve even greater outcomes.

In conclusion, the World Bank’s assessment of Nigeria’s statistical performance spotlights a pressing need for enhanced investment in this area. Both Mr. Johan Mistiaen’s recommendations and the Nigerian government’s commitment to maintaining the independence of the National Bureau of Statistics are crucial steps toward improving Nigeria’s data quality, aligning it with its developmental peers, and supporting national growth strategies.

Original Source: punchng.com