The Statistician General of the Federation Dr Simon Barsha has reaffirmed the commitment of the Agency in producing official statistics for the management of the nation’s economy.
Dr Simon Barsha stated this during the opening ceremony of the meeting of National Consultative Committee on Statistics held in Kano.
He said the agency was saddled with the responsibility of producing official statistics for the management of the nation’s economy aimed at uplifting the well being of the general populace.
Dr Simon Barsha explained that the National Bureau of Statistics has focused on (3) thematic areas which were considered as critical in rejuvenating, revamping, strengthening and repositioning NBS so that it will be able to effectively coordinate the National Statistical System (NSS) in Nigeria.
He said in order to ensure sustained development of statistics in Nigeria, NBS has designed a four year Corporate Strategy, 2022 – 2025.
“The essence of the Strategy is to define a clear road map with a view to improving the quantum and quality of statistics in Nigeria. Perhaps, it is pertinent to mention that contained in the Strategy are seven (7) key priorities areas including Organizational and Institutional Development; Infrastructural Development; Human Resource Management and Development among others”
He noted that the design of the four year Strategy was a deliberate arrangement put in place for improved delivery of statistics to rhyme with the National Development Plan (2021 2025)
In a remark Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of kano State represented by the permanent secretary procurement Bureau Alhaji Abba Mustapha Danbatta commended the coordinating body particularly the NCCS for unifying all Statistical Systems into common forum.
He said there was no doubt that statistical production requires some levels of coordination to ensure consistency as well as eliminate unnecessary duplication of efforts.
“As you are all aware, one of the main concerns of Governments economic programmes is meeting the 17No SDGs goals in Nigeria through your timely coordination. To make this happen, Government will want to have at its finger tips the milestones on each of 169 targets and 232 key performance indicators in Nigeria.”
“to address the situation in the country, there must be reliable and timely indicators on major sectors of the economy such as Agriculture, Education, Manufacturing, Mines and Power, Health, and Transport Among others “
Ganduje added that Kano State has a well-established Bureau of Statistics backed by law, and the government is determined to provide the Bureau with all the required support to enable it function effectively and efficiently.
The meeting was attended by stakeholders from all over the country.
Cover/Abdullahi Jalaluddeen
