In order to enable decision-makers at all levels of government, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has emphasized the necessity of cooperation in data collection, analysis, and efficient distribution.At the start of the 2nd Bi-Annual Meeting of the National Consultative Committee on Statistics (NCCS), 2023, in Ibadan on Tuesday, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, the Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of NBS, made this statement.
The theme of the event is "Data Accessibility and Dissemination at Sub-National Level," according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to Adeniran, the topic made sense considering Nigeria's population's diversity and dynamic makeup, which is made up of states and regions with different possibilities and difficulties.
According to the head of NBS, the purpose of the forum was to provide the sub-national entities with the knowledge and resources they needed to make decisions that were appropriate for their particular settings while also effectively meeting the requirements of the diverse people.
"A thorough and inclusive data gathering process is the first step in the process of making data more accessible at the sub-national level.
"To improve the granularity and accuracy of our data, we must collaborate and make sure that the instruments used for data collection and analysis are inclusive and represent the unique characteristics of each subnational organization.
Adeniran stated, "You cannot distribute what you have not gathered or examined."
He went on to say that the agency's policies and practices had been reviewed.
"To capture and report this wide array of statistical insights that tell the story of our nation's realities, we must embrace innovative methodologies, expand the scope of our surveys, and leverage new technologies," the NBS director stated.
Less than 20% of the data gathered through the agency's questionnaires, according to Adeniran, was released in reports.
While acknowledging the sensitivities associated with particular types of information, he emphasized the necessity of developing a framework for data exchange and collaboration.
He pointed out that a cooperative and transparent attitude among data providers and producers could help achieve this.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde stated in his speech that the state understood the need of having accurate statistical data in order to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2040 State Development Plan (SDP).
Chief Adebayo Lawal, Makinde's deputy, highlighted a few of the state's accomplishments that were supported by statistics.
"The State Government realized this and acted accordingly, putting projects and programs into action that made use of logic, science, and data.
He declared, "It follows that this administration, led by my capable leadership, will keep applying reason, science, and data to make the best choices for the good people of Oyo State."
Prince Adekunle Ajuwon, the general statistician for Oyo State, had earlier stated in his speech that the meeting would focus on improving the quality of data and the lives of Nigerians, particularly at the sub-national level.