The need to coordinate the national statistical system, especially for the production of reliable and high quality data, was stressed by Oluwayemisi Alaba, Senior Lecturer, Statistics Department, University of Ibadan during the 12th Wole Soyinka Centre Media Lecture Series held July 13, 2020.
During her presentation on the ‘Theories and Realities that Support Credible and Accessible Data and the Statistical Framework for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,’ the university don noted that coordinating data system across the 774 local government areas, ministries, departments and agencies at the 36 states of the federation by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) will make NBS the one-stop shop for official statistics in Nigeria.
She said, “There should be coordination of the 774 local governments and all ministries, departments and agencies at the 36 states of the Federation by the State Statistical, State Bureau of Statistics.
“Then, the 36 state Bureau of Statistics and the federal ministries, departments and agencies are now coordinated by the National Bureau of Statistics. Then, the National Bureau of Statistics makes data available for all users as a one-stop shop for official statistics in Nigeria”.
She further observed that everybody has a key role to play for a quality statistical framework in Nigeria as well as the quality of data disseminated across different channels.
“When we talk of an effective statistical system which is responsive to data in a timely manner, provides good quality statistics, which is readily accessible by range of users, then that system must be characterised by all data user, data producers, data suppliers and research and training.” she said.
Alaba also called for adequate funding of Nigeria’s national statistical office, which should also display all statistical data online for effective and sustainable collaboration among all stakeholders.
