The World Bank has raised concerns about Nigeria’s weak statistical capacity, noting that the country lags behind peers like Mexico, Colombia, South Africa, and Brazil.
According to a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Budget Ministry, Mrs. Julie Osagie-Jacobs, this concern was highlighted during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, by a World Bank delegation.
In his presentation titled “Next Level Statistics to Support Nigeria’s Reform and Growth Agenda,” Mistiaen noted that Nigeria’s statistical system falls behind those of its developmental peers.
He recommended an annual investment of $10–$15 million in Nigeria’s statistical infrastructure to enhance performance and bring it in line with its peers.
The statement read in part, “Earlier, the Mr. Johan Mistiaen in his presentation on the next level statistics to support Nigeria’s reform and growth agenda, observed that the country’s statistical performance was not at par with its aspirational peers as Mexico, Columbia, South Africa and Brazil.
“He suggested that investing about $10-15m annually into the country’s statistical system, can raise performance to that of its aspirational peers.”
In response, Bagudu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the independence of the National Bureau of Statistics.
He also praised the Bureau for its consistent release of credible and methodical data, which has been relied upon by reputable international organizations.
He emphasized that the government would not interfere in the operations of the NBS.
The minister also expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its ongoing financial and technical support, describing it as vital to the Bureau’s institutional strengthening.
The Statistician-General of the Federation and NBS CEO, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, noted that increased investment in statistics would drive national growth and development.
He commended the Federal Government for raising the agency’s budgetary allocation to its highest level in a decade.
