My Vision for Stronger Statistical System in Nigeria – NBS Boss, Prince Adeniran
The Statistician-General of the Federation, Prince Semiu Adeyemi Adeniran, has said that his vision for the statistical system in the country is for it to be wholly responsible for the all decisions, policies and programmes of government at all levels and the private sector.
Prince Adeniran made this known at a National Stakeholders Engagement Workshop for the Drafting of the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) Phase III, 2024-2028.
The Statistician-General who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in his keynote address at the opening ceremony noted, that: “Statistics often referred to as the ‘silent language of governance,’ is the underpinning of a robust, informed, and thriving society. It forms the bedrock upon which policies and programmes are shaped, resources allocated, and progress assessed or evaluated.”
He noted: “As we convene here today for this important task, we recognise that statistics are more than just numbers; they are the voice that narrates our nation’s story, informs our decisions, and paves the way for a brighter future. Hence the vital need for a robust strategy to guide the growth and development of the system that produces the statistics we all rely on for our respective work.
“Today, we gather with a shared purpose: to embark on a transformative journey toward the formulation of a new National Strategy for the Development of Statistics in Nigeria. This strategy will serve as our guiding light, steering us towards a modernised and transformed statistical system. In this age of data, we find ourselves at the crossroads of possibility and responsibility, for the path we chart today will shape the Nigeria of tomorrow. The development of this new strategy is a unique opportunity for us to assess our past, understand our present, and chart a course for our future. I firmly believe that every stakeholder represented in this room, brings with them, a wealth of experience, knowledge, and insight into this process. Your inputs are invaluable, as they will guide us in identifying the most pressing data needs and challenges in our society.”
He listed the principles that the deliberations must be based on as Inclusivity, Quality and Accuracy, Innovation and Technology, Capacity Building, Partnerships and Collaboration.
“Distinguished participants, I believe very strongly that, if we imbibe these five principles in making our contributions towards the drafting of the new NSDS, we will be doing a great deal of service to the development of the statistical system, and to our nation. Let this consultation be the cornerstone of our shared vision for a stronger statistical system in Nigeria. Your contributions will lay the foundation for our strategy, setting out clear goals, measurable indicators, and a path for sustainable development. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead, and I have faith in the collective wisdom of the stakeholders present here today. Together, we can elevate the Nigerian statistical system to new heights and help drive our nation toward a future of informed decisions, progress, and prosperity.
“Let us work together to build a stronger and more vibrant statistical system, which is capable and well-resourced to produce and facilitate the use of data in our progress towards sustainable development. In so doing, we will be fulfilling our mandate and contributing our quota towards a data-driven, safer, progressive, and economically viable nation that works for the benefit of all of Nigerians,” he concluded.
