World Bank Calls for $15m Investment in Nigeria’s Statistical System
…Govt Pledges Support
By Patience Ikpeme
The World Bank has expressed concerns regarding Nigeria’s statistical performance, stating it does not align with that of comparable nations.
To improve the country’s statistical system, the World Bank proposed an annual investment of $10-15 million, which it believes would elevate Nigeria’s performance to match its aspirational peers.
In response, the Federal Government has assured both Nigerians that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) will maintain its independence.
The government also pledged continued support for the agency to carry out its functions of analyzing and disseminating statistical data on socio-economic issues within the country.
Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu made these statements during a meeting with a World Bank team, including Country Director Ndiame Diop and Practice Manager for West and Central Africa Johan Mistiaen, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
Bagudu praised the NBS for its provision of credible statistical data, which has been utilized by international organizations. He noted the agency’s record of releasing timely and methodical data and promised that the government would not interfere in its operations.
The Minister expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its financial and technical support to the NBS, which he said has strengthened the agency.
Johan Mistiaen, in his presentation on enhancing statistics to support Nigeria’s reform and growth agenda, observed that Nigeria’s statistical performance lags behind countries such as Mexico, Columbia, South Africa, and Brazil.
He suggested that an annual investment of $10-15 million in the statistical system could improve performance.
The Statistician General of the Federation and CEO of the NBS, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, stated that investments in statistics would foster growth and development. He acknowledged the Federal Government’s increased funding for the agency, the highest in the past decade. He also agreed that increased budget allocations and collaboration with development partners would enhance the NBS’s capabilities.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in Nigeria is responsible for collecting, compiling, analyzing, and disseminating official statistics on social, economic, demographic, and environmental activities, providing data for policy-making and national development.
