NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
NBS releases first prices data compiled through crowdsourcing
General News

NBS releases first prices data compiled through crowdsourcing

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has released its first prices data, compiled through a groundbreaking crowd-sourcing initiative.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Folorunso Alesanmi, Head, Public Relations, NBS, issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the statement, the innovative approach to data collection marks a significant milestone in the NBS’s efforts, to provide timely and accurate statistical information to policymakers, researchers and the general public.

It said the crowd-sourcing initiative, which started several months ago, aimed to compile price data daily, from a wide range of sources, including open markets and supermarkets.

Other sources, it said, included neighbourhood shops, bulk and discount stores, street outlets and Large Shops.

The statement noted that data released today provided insights into prices of essential food items such as rice (local), beans (white), maize (white), garri, yam and others, commonly consumed by Nigerians, while offering a snapshot of daily food costs.

“The NBS plans to update this data daily, equipping entrepreneurs, policymakers and researchers with a valuable tool for tracking price movements and informing decision-making,” it stated.

The statement added that data collection was done in all the 36 states, the FCT and in all the Senatorial districts.

It noted that by leveraging the power of crowd-sourcing, the bureau was able to collect a vast amount of data that would help provide a more accurate picture of price movements in the economy.

The statement quoted Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation, as saying “we are thrilled to release our first prices data compiled through crowd-sourcing.

“This initiative represents a major step forward in our efforts to harness the power of technology and innovation to improve the quality and timeliness of our statistical data,”.

It added that the crowd-sourced data was accessible to the public through a dedicated public dashboard, where users could view, analyse and download the data in real time, further enhancing transparency and accessibility.

“The NBS crowd-sourcing initiative aims to modernise data collection, providing timely and accurate statistics.

“The bureau hereby invites citizens to participate by submitting price data and feedback to build a robust statistical system for a rapidly changing economy,”the statement said.

According to the statement, the NBS remain committed to ensuring the quality and accuracy of the data collected through crowd-sourcing.

“To this end, the agency has implemented a range of quality control measures, including data validation and verification processes, to ensure that the data is reliable and trustworthy,” it said.

It said the release of the crowd-sourced prices data, was a significant achievement for the NBS and demonstrated the agency’s commitment to innovation and collaboration.

“By working together with citizens and leveraging technology, the NBS can provide more timely and accurate statistical information that will help to drive economic growth and development,” it said.

However, the statement also said that the price data compiled through crowd-sourcing was not the same as the ones compiled for the Consumer Price Index(CPI).

“Prices data for CPI computation are collected on specific or predetermined outlets, every second and third week of the month.

“But, prices data collected via crowd-sourcing, are collected randomly from different respondents everyday.

“As we engage in this collaborative effort with the public, we welcome feedback from stakeholders that will propel us for improvement,” it stated.

The statement urged the public and other stakeholders to visit the NBS website at www.nigerianstat.gov.ng. for more information about the crowd-sourced prices data.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Vivian Ihechu

NBS reaffirms commitment to effective data communication
Economy/Business

NBS reaffirms commitment to effective data communication

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring effective communication of its statistical data.

Mr Folunrunsho Alesanmi, Head, Communications and Public Relations Department, NBS, said this during the send-forth of the outgoing Director of the department, Mr Joel Ichedi, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Alesanmi stated that the methodology used by NBS would be communicated clearly for easy understanding and utilisation by various stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers and the public.

“The vision is clear: we are going to have a clear and robust communication strategy that is implementable.

“The whole team is working on that to ensure we have a steady communication plan.

“This is to ensure we are not jumping from pillar to post when it comes to disseminating information to the public.”

He commended the outgoing director for his team spirit and dedication to his work.

“Mr Ichedi when he assigns tasks will not rest on his oars until everything is perfectly done.

“We have had a very cordial relationship and I know there is still so much more he can offer and contribute even after retirement,” he said.

Ichedi thanked the members of staff of his department for organising the send-forth in his honour, as he expressed joy at seeing his retirement.

He advised the junior staff members to be hardworking and dedicated to their work in order to attain the level of director someday.

Ichedi thanked the media for their cooperation throughout his tenure in ensuring the activities of the NBS were effectively communicated.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Ichedi, a renowned statistician and communication expert, retired from the Federal Civil Service on Tuesday after 33 years of service.

He was the Director of Communications and Public Relations, NBS, until his retirement.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail

NBS introduces new inflation indices
Economy/Business

NBS introduces new inflation indices

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), has introduced special inflation indices to its monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) Report.

The Statistician-General (S-G) of the Federation, Adeyemi Adeniran made this known at a news briefing on the CPI Rebasing Results in Abuja on Tuesday.

Adeniran said the new indices include the Farm Produce Index, Energy Index, Services Index, Goods Index, and Imported Food Index.

He said this was in line with improvements made to the rebasing of the CPI, which he said would inform policymakers.

According to him, these new indices have been introduced based on demand and request from stakeholders when we engaged them in the rebasing.

Adeniran noted that the rates of the new indices were not year-on-year rates like the CPI rates because they were new.

He said their year-on-year rates would commence from January 2026, while the month-on-month rates would commence in February 2025.

“The rates being reported here are January compared to the base year, which is an average of prices from January to December 2024.

“For January 2025, the new special indices produced the following inflation rates.

“For these special indices, when we compare January to the base year of 2024, for Farm Produce we have an inflation rate of 10.50 per cent.”

Adeniran said,” for the Energy index, we have an 8.91 per cent inflation rate for January; for Services, we have 10.41 per cent.

“For the Goods index we have a 10.79 per cent inflation rate, while for the Imported Food index, it produced an inflation rate of 11.47 per cent.”

Speaking Earlier, Mr Joel Ichedi, the Director, Communication and Public Relations, NBS said the briefing was a demonstration of the bureau’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the dissemination of statistical information.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rebasing is designed to ensure that Nigeria’s economic indicators accurately reflect the current structure of the economy, incorporating new and emerging sectors, updating consumption baskets, and refining data collection methods.

One of the processes of rebasing the CPI includes bringing the base year closer to the current period, from 2009 to 2024. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

NBS to strengthen partnerships for reliable data production
Economy/Business

NBS to strengthen partnerships for reliable data production

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure the production of accurate and reliable data.

The Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemi Adeniran, made this statement during a Sensitisation Workshop on the rebasing of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Civil Society Organisations in Abuja on Monday.

Adeniran noted that the workshop, organised by BudgiT, underscores the bureau’s dedication to transparency, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.

He noted that it aligned with the United Nations’ Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, particularly Principle 3, which emphasises accountability and transparency.

“Our processes are designed to be open, collaborative, and rigorous, ensuring that we leave no stone unturned in accurately measuring and reporting the size of the economy and the level of price changes,” he stated.

Adeniran explained that the rebasing exercise is essential for ensuring that the GDP and CPI reflect current economic realities.

He noted that as economies evolve with new industries and shifting consumption patterns, it is vital to update Nigeria’s statistical measures to capture these changes accurately.

“The rebasing of our GDP and CPI ensures that our economic indicators accurately reflect the structure of our economy, incorporating emerging sectors, updating consumption baskets, and refining data collection methods.

“This process is conducted in line with global standards, without any external influence, and solely to provide accurate measurements,” Adeniran added.

He also emphasised the importance of the exercise for informed policymaking, strategic planning, and effective governance, noting the professionalism of the NBS in conducting the process.

Speaking at the workshop, Oluseun Onigbinde, Global Director for BudgiT, stressed the need for the rebasing exercise to reflect public policy changes and significant sectoral shifts over the past decade.

“Nigerians expect the rebasing to demonstrate the significant changes in various sectors over the last five to ten years.

“The NBS must ensure the data produced builds trust, informs policy, and allows citizens to access robust information about themselves,” Onigbinde said.

He urged the NBS to prioritise effective communication of the rebasing results, recommending an increased communication budget to reach critical segments of society, including the media, to explain the process, insights, and policy implications.

“This is an opportunity to strengthen trust in the institution. The NBS must also communicate the implications and deductions from the data to public policymakers to avoid reckless policy decisions,” he added.

He further emphasised the need for the NBS to remain independent and free from political interference, urging the bureau to always present the truth, regardless of its political or social implications. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng )

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Gambia Bureau of Statistics takes study tour to NBS
General News

Gambia Bureau of Statistics takes study tour to NBS

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

The Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBoS) is undertaking a study tour to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) as part of efforts to enhance its statistical capacity.

The Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemi Adeniran, said the five-day tour was aimed at sharing knowledge on how to move the statistical system forward in both countries and Africa.

According to Adeniran, the GBoS team will learn how the NBS adopts international best practices in the production of its data.

He added that the GBoS would also learn new ways of producing data and application of technology and innovation of data production.

“The GBoS have come to learn from us in Nigeria how we produce our National Agriculture Sample Census and the sample survey that followed it.

“They also want to learn how we are able to produce labour force statistics on a quarterly basis for many years without failing.

“As you recall, we revised our methodology of computing labour force and labour market statistics in recent times in conformity with ILO standards that all countries are using.

“As attestation to that, the GBoS is coming to learn how we were able to have changed to accommodate the new methodology and start producing data based on that.

“They want to see how they can go back and leverage on the kind of technology we use in NBS to help them produce data in their country”.

Adeniran said that Nigeria had the best statistical system in Africa, which was why the GBoS and other West African countries came for study tours.

He said that the NBS had been able to achieve this feat because of the support the bureau received from the Federal Government through the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning.

Adeniran said the federal government had given the bureau independence to apply sound methodology to data production and to engage stakeholders in their data production process.

“ If we were not the leading statistics office in Africa, the GBoS would not have come here, and we have come of age in terms of standards, best practices and the number of data we produce.”

Adeniran assured the GBoS team that there would be knowledge sharing from the different sessions and they would get the best out of their visit to the NBS.

Earlier in his remarks, the Statistician-General of the GBoS, Nyakaasi Sanyang, commended Adeniran for his commitment to the development of statistics in the region while encouraging him to keep the momentum.

Sanyang said the tour would provide the GBoS the opportunity to learn best practices, innovative methodologies and effective data production techniques from the NBS.

He added that the tour would also provide knowledge sharing and foster regional collaboration.

“We are here to learn something we do not know and it was not by accident.

“We made consultations with our development partners, the World Bank, and they did the research for us.

“They found out that Nigeria is the best place for us to go and study how the labour force survey and the Agricultural Census Survey is being conducted.”

He said The Gambia last conducted their agriculture census in 2011 and it was purely paper-based.

“ So, we need to go and learn the innovative ways of conducting agriculture census and quarterly labour force survey.

“Nigeria is a big country in Africa and therefore, its position is critical in moving statistics forward in Africa.

“If Nigeria is moving with the times, it will support other African countries,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tour has as it’s theme “Enhancing Statistical Capacity: A Study Tour on National Agricultural Sample Census and Labour Force Survey”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng )

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

NBS: Data Custodian or Government agenda tool?
Features

NBS: Data Custodian or Government agenda tool?

608 total views today

By Okeoghene Akubuike, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is the agency tasked with collecting and managing official statistics for Nigeria.

As the authoritative source, it serves as the custodian of the country’s official data.

The bureau plays a crucial role in promoting the use of statistics for development planning and evidence-based policymaking.

However, its reliability and independence have come under scrutiny in recent times.

Some critics have questioned the accuracy of the data published by the NBS, while others doubt its independence.

A segment of the population believes the bureau’s figures fail to reflect the economic realities in Nigeria.

Others suggest its reports may be influenced to serve the government’s agenda.

Recall when the NBS reported in July and August 2024 that Nigeria’s inflation rate declined to 33.40 per cent and 32.15 per cent respectively, many Nigerians suspected government interference.

They said it aimed at presenting an overly optimistic economic picture.

Similarly, the Nigeria Labour Force Survey for Q2 2024 revealed a reduction in the unemployment rate to 4.3 per cent down from 5.3 per cent in Q1.

This figure raised scepticism, with many Nigerians contending that it did not align with the prevailing reality of widespread youth unemployment.

On the other hand, the bureau has also released reports that do not favour the government.

Notable among these is the 2024 Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS), which revealed an estimated 2.2 million kidnapping cases between May 2023 and April 2024.

It further disclosed that a staggering 2.2 trillion naira was paid as ransom during this period.

Additionally, the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Report for 2022 revealed that 133 million Nigerians, or 62.9 per cent of the population, are multi-dimensionally poor.

This raises pertinent questions: What methodologies does the NBS employ in its surveys? Are they in line with international best practices?

For instance, the Nigeria Labour Force Survey (NLFS) adopted a new methodology in 2022 to align with global standards.

This included updates in questionnaire design, sampling, fieldwork management, and data quality monitoring.

A major change was the adoption of the ‘one-hour criterion’, which considers someone employed if they worked for pay or profit for at least one hour in the last seven days.

To enhance labour market statistics, the NBS collaborated with the World Bank under the guidance of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Furthermore, the bureau regularly organises stakeholder workshops, such as those on rebasing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Consumer Price Index (CPI).

These exercises aim to ensure that methodologies are robust and globally consistent.

The Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemi Adeniran, recently emphasised the importance of stakeholder input during such exercises.

“It is always our pleasure to engage experts during significant statistical exercises to provide insights and feedback, helping us refine our methodology and approach”.

Adeniran also clarified that the NBS conducts its surveys according to a predefined schedule and releases data as planned.

He cited monthly and quarterly reports on CPI, GDP, and other socio-economic indicators.

Addressing allegations of government influence, Adeniran reassured the public that the bureau remains objective, transparent, and professional.

He stated, “Our work goes beyond data production; it captures the realities of the people to inform effective government policies.

“The notion that we tailor data to favour any government is unfounded and counterproductive”.

Similarly, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, during the 2024 African Statistics Day celebration, reaffirmed the independence of the NBS.

“We uphold the sanctity of data under the Tinubu administration, ensuring the NBS operates free from any interference”.

Sen. Shehu Sani shared same sentiment, describing the NBS as “one of the most upright and independent government agencies” on his social media platform.

Also, the NBS has consistently provided vital socio-economic data, such as the 2024 Cost of a Healthy Diet Indicator, developed in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).

This monthly report reveals the affordability of healthy diets using locally available foods.

In June 2024, the bureau released the first National Agricultural Sample Census (NASC) in 27 years, revealing the existence of 40.2 million agricultural households.

By October 2024, the Nigeria Residential Energy Demand-Side Survey (NREDSS) assessed household energy consumption and identified that 67.8 per cent of households rely on fuelwood for domestic purposes.

The report recommended policies to encourage the establishment of more LPG stations, the local production of gas cylinders, and decentralisation of the national grid through mini-grids to optimise electricity generation.

Also, Inga Stefanowicz, Head of the Green and Digital Economy Section, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, has emphasised the importance of reliable data in addressing the challenges of energy access and security.

She stated that without solid data on supply and demand, such assessments would always be flawed.

All in all, the NBS asserts its commitment to delivering objective, timely, and accurate data with support from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and other partners.

This dedication remains crucial for designing targeted programmes aimed at addressing the nation’s socio-economic challenges. (NANFeatures)

NBS commits to sustained collaboration with media, CSOs
Economy/Business

NBS commits to sustained collaboration with media, CSOs

398 total views today

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says it is committed to sustained collaboration with the media and civil society for effective communication of statistical data.

Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation and CEO of the NBS said this at a Retreat for Journalists and Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) in Keffi on Friday.

Adeniran, who was represented by Dr Biyi Fafunmi, Director, Agric and Business Enterprise, NBS, said the media and CSOs played an indispensable role in national statistics production.

He said the media and CSOs served as a bridge between statistical agencies and the public.

Adeniran said the media served as both facilitators and disseminators, influencing the way statistical information was collected, interpreted, and communicated to the public.

“In reporting, we recognise you as a partner in progress; we urge you to be objective and patriotic in reporting our data as disseminated by NBS.

“By facilitating communication, promoting understanding, and fostering accountability, the media not only enhance the credibility and relevance of national statistics but also empower citizens to appraise more meaningfully with the data that shape their lives.

“As technology and media landscapes continue to evolve, the role of media in this context will continue to expand.

“This will require ongoing collaboration between NBS, the media, and innovation to ensure effective communication of statistical data for planning and development on sustainable bases”.

Adeniran commended the media and CSOs for their role in making NBS improve in data deliverables in spite of the challenges they encountered in their daily endeavours.

Mr Joel Ichedi, the Bureau’s Director of Communication and Public Relations, said the objective of the retreat was to equip journalists and CSOs with the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate statistics to the public.

“We recognise that the media and civil society play a critical role in shaping public discourse and holding institutions accountable.

“However, we also acknowledge that reporting on statistics can be complex and nuanced.

“This retreat aims to bridge the gap between data producers and data users, ensuring that statistical information is accurately conveyed to the public.

”Our team of experts will provide insights into the latest developments in statistics production, data sources, and methodologies”.

Ichedi emphasised the importance of collaboration to ensure statistical information was presented concisely and without bias, thus avoiding misinformation and enhancing public understanding.

Ewache Ajefu, Editor, Business Africa who spoke on behalf of the media, thanked the NBS for organising the retreat, adding that it should be sustained.

Johnny Emmanuel, National President, National Council for CSOs,  commended the NBS on its role in improving the economy and the country through its production of accurate and timely data.

Emmanuel stressed the need for collaboration between the media and civil society noting that CSOs could not achieve their mandate without the media.

NAN reports that there was a business session on Trends in  Development Journalism, Consumer Price Index and GDP Rebasing Update, and Compilation of Trade Statistics.

Other sessions include Methodology for Generating Labor Force Statistics in NBS and A Critical Appraisal of Statistical Reporting and Data Interpretation by Journalists. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Kidnapping incidence estimated at 2.2m cases -NBS
Economy/Business

Kidnapping incidence estimated at 2.2m cases -NBS

1,152 total views today

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says kidnapping incidence in the country is estimated at 2,235,954 between May  2023 and April 2024.

The NBS revealed this in its Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) 2024 released in Abuja on Tuesday.

The CESPS is a household-based survey, which provides an in-depth understanding of the situation of crime in Nigeria, with a target population comprising household members 15 years and older.

The NBS said the survey was carried out to produce estimates at national and zonal levels covering both urban and rural areas for a twelve-month reference period (May 2023 to April 2024).

The report said that among households that experienced kidnapping incidents, 65.0 per cent paid a ransom.

It said the average amount paid as ransom for kidnapping was N2.7 million per incident with an estimated total ransom of N2. 2 trillion paid within the reference period.

“The North-West reported the highest ransom paid with N1.2 trillion, while the South-East was the least with N85.4 billion”.

The report showed that rural areas recorded more kidnappings with  1,668,104 reported cases than urban areas with 567,850.

Analysis by zones revealed that the  North-West recorded the highest number of cases with 1,420,307, followed by the North-Central with 317,837, while the least was recorded in the South-East with 110,432.

It showed that nationally, an estimated 51,887,032 crime incidences were experienced by households in Nigeria.

It said the North-West reported the highest incidence of household crime, totalling 14,402,254,  followed by the North-Central with 8,771,400.

“The South-East reported the least incidence of household crime with 6,176,031”.

The report revealed that crime incidence in rural areas was higher, totalling 26,526,069, compared to urban areas at 25,360,963.

The NBS said in Nigeria, 4,142,174 households experienced home robbery incidence.

Analysis by zones showed that the North-West had the highest home robbery cases totalling 1,068,430,  followed by the South-South with 811,231,  while the least was recorded in the South-West with 378,252 cases.

The report said that less than half of the households, at 36.3 per cent,  who were victims of home robbery reported to the police.

According to this study, the most common reasons for not reporting crimes include lack of confidence in law enforcement and the belief that police intervention would not result in meaningful action.

The findings showed that about 24 per cent of households would rather report to other authorities instead of the police,  followed by those who believed the police would not do anything upon reporting at 22.7 per cent.

“Only 0.2 per cent mentioned lack of insurance of properties as a reason for not reporting to the police”.

The report also showed that there was a slightly higher report of household robbery among rural dwellers at 37.8 per cent,  than urban dwellers at 35.2 per cent.

The NBS said at the individual level, 21.4 per cent of Nigerians reported being victims of crime, and the most common crime was phone theft at 13.8 per cent

It said about 90 per cent of the victims of phone thefts reported to the police, and only 50 per cent of the victims expressed satisfaction with police responses.

The report said nationwide, an estimated 1.4 million experienced sexual offences, which occurred mostly in someone else’s home at 27.7 per cent.

“This was  followed by the victim’s home at 22.2 per cent”.

It said sexual offences were less likely to occur at a public transport station at 0.9 per cent and only 22.7 per cent of victims reported to the police.

According to the report, public perception on safety showed that 9.6 per cent of Nigerians believed they might be a victim of crime in the next 12 months.

“In rural areas, 13.0 per cent of the population believed they could be victims of crime and 7.0 per cent in urban areas”.

The report revealed that security agencies’ average response time to emergencies was a key indicator of effective crime prevention.

“Nationally, 33.1 per cent reported that the average response time to an emergency call by security agencies is less than 30 minutes.

“About four out of 10 households had at least one interaction with state or local security forces within the reference period.

“Also, one out of two households had contact with the Nigerian Police, and 25.7 per cent reported the incidence of crime to the police after experiencing a crime.

The report showed that satisfaction with police responses was notably low, particularly for crimes including livestock theft at 42.9 per cent and crop theft at 42.4 per cent.

It said in rural areas, many households relied on local vigilante groups. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

FG pledges to strengthen healthcare system
Economy/Business

FG pledges to strengthen healthcare system

359 total views today

By Nana Musa

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Mr Adeyemi Adeniran, Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), made this statement on Wednesday during the launch of the National Health Facility Survey (NHFS) Report 2023 in Abuja.

Adeniran stated that the NHFS 2023 builds on the 2016 and 2019 surveys, using improved tools to assess service availability and health facilities’ readiness to deliver essential services.

“This latest report includes several improvements, particularly in data collection methods from selected health facilities nationwide.

“These enhancements provide a comprehensive framework for assessing service availability and evaluating the readiness of facilities to deliver effective healthcare,” Adeniran said.

He noted the inclusion of Service Delivery Indicators (SDIs) developed in collaboration with the World Bank and the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), which focus on primary healthcare delivery.

According to Adeniran, the SDIs promote accountability, enhance governance, and enable targeted interventions for better healthcare outcomes.

He acknowledged the persistent challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system, including inadequate funding, outdated infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled personnel.

“Many Nigerians still face difficulties accessing quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Despite various reforms and investments by the government and development partners, significant challenges remain,” Adeniran said.

He listed issues such as infant mortality rates of 63 per 1,000 live births (as per the latest National Health and Demographic Survey) and widespread shortages of essential medicines.

“These ongoing issues hinder the provision of equitable healthcare to all Nigerians, especially in underserved areas,” he added.

Adeniran also noted the growing migration of healthcare professionals to countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom in pursuit of better salaries, working conditions, and career prospects.

This trend, he said, has further strained the healthcare system by exacerbating the shortage of skilled workers.

He emphasised the importance of the NHFS report in addressing these challenges, describing it as an essential resource for policymakers and healthcare administrators.

“The data in this report provides an insightful analysis of the current state of health facilities and offers evidence-based recommendations for informed decision-making.

“By leveraging this information, we can implement targeted interventions to address urgent issues, especially at the primary healthcare level,” he stated.

Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, described the event as a pivotal moment for the country’s health sector.

Represented by the Minister of State, Dr Iziaq Salako, Pate highlighted the survey’s significance, stating that the findings offer invaluable insights into the preparedness and capacity of health facilities to deliver essential services.

“This survey used the WHO’s Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) tool and the World Bank’s SDI to evaluate the performance of over 3,000 public health facilities nationwide,” Pate said.

He noted that the findings shine a light on the strengths and gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in primary and secondary facilities, which serve the majority of the population.

“These insights are crucial for shaping policies and interventions that will improve healthcare outcomes for all Nigerians,” Pate added.

The report, he said, serves as a guide for future investments and targeted efforts to address service delivery gaps, improve healthcare infrastructure, and enhance the overall quality of care.

“By using this data strategically, we can focus our resources on areas where they are most needed, ensuring better healthcare services for all Nigerians, regardless of location or socio-economic status,” he concluded. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Use statistics to tell Africa’s story- Bagudu
Economy/Business

Use statistics to tell Africa’s story- Bagudu

487 total views today

By Okeoghene Akubuike

Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, has urged the African statistical systems to use statistics to tell the African story.

Bagudu said this at the 2024 African Statistics Day  Celebration, organised by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in Abuja on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the Day is ‘Supporting Education by Modernising the Production of Fit-For-Purpose Statistics’.

He said there were calls for Africa to create its own credit rating agency which would adequately capture the realities of the continent.

The minister said this had become necessary because the methodologies used by some of the rating agencies were not known.

According to him, the African statistical system must help us tell the African story, and the African story is that of hard-working men and women.

“We are not going to wait for someone to develop a methodology for us to say it. That is as fit- for purpose as it could be.

“That at 4 am, a woman is carrying a child on her back, going to the farm or fishing ground, or moving around with livestock or by the roadside roasting corn or plantain, and this is as hardworking as it can be.

“But yet the global credit system has excluded these hard-working women.

“Yet maybe somewhere a woman who wakes up at 11 am and works for five hours a day some statistical system is likely to accord her more avenues for inclusion.

“Who should say this, who should tell the world this? Not only is she hardworking, she is honorable and this is the picture across our continent.

Bagudu said there was a need to reverse these statistics that put the continent  in a bad light or “show us as otherwise”.

He said this was important so the world capital market could appreciate that Africa is a continent of hardworking men and women.

“Also, that we have governmental systems in Africa  that ensure statistical systems are independent”.

The minister said the “sanctity of data” is the watchword of  President Tinubu-led administration.

“We have recognised and given independence to NBS; we have never sought to interfere with the formation, timing and release of data.

“We are not where we want to be but let us confront our reality and make choices pleasant and unpleasant.

“This will help us reach where we want to, and data systems can help us, and this is the African story,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

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