NBS to strengthen partnerships for reliable data production
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