About National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria

The National Bureau of Statistics is Nigeria’s official statistical agency, gathering data on everything from inflation and GDP to commodity prices and trade. NBS regularly publishes reports with the latest stats and economic indicators. The government uses their data to develop policies and budgets. Businesses also rely on the Bureau’s numbers to identify opportunities and make investment decisions.

Next time you read a news story about Nigeria’s economy and want to dig into the data behind the headline, check out the National Bureau of Statistics website. There, you’ll find a treasure trove of information on Nigeria’s economy, population, agriculture, and more. The numbers may surprise you.

About the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is the central statistical agency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Its role is to coordinate statistical operations of the National Statistical System in producing official statistics for evidence-based decision-making in all aspects of society. The NBS is mandated to produce official statistics for evidence-based decision-making in all aspects of the economy.

The Bureau conducts several surveys, censuses, and administrative-based data collection exercises. Some of the major statistical products of the NBS include Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Consumer Price Index (CPI), Producer Price Index (PPI), Nigeria Living Standards Survey (NLSS), Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), General Household Survey, Annual Abstract of Statistics and the Annual Socioeconomic Report.

The data and reports published by the NBS provide insights into Nigeria’s social and economic conditions. They are useful for policymakers, businesses, academics, development partners and the general public. Accessing NBS data and reports is free and available on theirwebsite.

The National Bureau of Statistics is essential in providing the statistical information needed to monitor Nigeria’s progress and inform its development agenda. Their data and analyses give an overview of how Nigeria’s economy and society are changing over time.

History of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)

The Federal Office of Statistics (FOS) and the National Data Bank (NDB) merged to form the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The formation was part of implementing the Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) Statistical Master Plan (SMP).

The merger was intended to provide the agency with a national perspective as the apex statistical body for all three levels of government. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is expected to coordinate the National Statistical System’s Statistical Operations in the production of Official Statistics in all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), State Statistical Agencies (SSAs), and Local Government Councils (LGCs).

Nigeria operates a Federal System of government with 36 States, a Federal Capital Territory, and 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Each Ministry, Department and Agency has a Director of Statistics at the federal level. Each state has a Director of Statistics and a Head of Statistics Unit at Local Government Areas. All these, including Statistical Institutes, constitute the Nigeria National Statistical System (NSS). The Internal Organisation of the Bureau is built on the Statistics Act of 2007, which is the Legal Instrument established by the Acts of Parliament.

The NBS has come a long way in improving transparency and data quality in Nigeria. It remains the most authoritative source of statistics on Nigeria’s economy and society. With continuous data collection and analysis advancements, the NBS will keep empowering Nigeria with data for better decisions and policy making.

Contributing Bureaus

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has contributed several sub-divisions that work together to provide reliable socioeconomic data and statistics for evidence-based decision making in Nigeria. The contributing bureaus are where the National Bureau of Statistics gets its information. They include the following:

• Federal Ministry of Budget and Planning
• Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research
• Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
• Federal Ministry of Health
• National Population Commission
• Federal Ministry of Finance
• Central Bank of Nigeria
• Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation

Key Responsibilities of the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is the apex statistical agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria. It has the following key responsibilities:

Data Collection

The NBS collects data from businesses, households, and government entities across Nigeria. This includes conducting nationwide surveys, censuses, and studies to gather information on living conditions, economic activity, agriculture, health, education, and more. The data collected provides critical insights into the state of the Nigerian economy and people.

Data Analysis

The NBS analyzes the data it collects to identify trends, make comparisons, and share key findings. This analysis is compiled into monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on metrics like gross domestic product (GDP), inflation, trade, consumption, and employment. The analysis and reports produced by the NBS are essential for policymaking, business decisions, and development planning in Nigeria.

Data Dissemination

A crucial role of the NBS is to share the data and analysis it produces with businesses, academics, government agencies, international organizations, and the general public. It publishes reports, surveys, censuses, newsletters, infographics, and an annual yearbook to disseminate its work. The NBS also offers an online data portal where much of the data it collects can be accessed.

Promote Statistical Literacy

The NBS aims to promote better understanding and use of statistics in Nigeria. It provides training on its methodologies and data collection practices. It also works to enhance statistical literacy among businesses, academics, government entities, and the media. Developing a more statistically literate society leads to better informed decision-making and evidence-based policy formulation.

International Cooperation

The NBS collaborates with regional and international statistical agencies to harmonize methodologies, classifications and standards. It participates in initiatives by groups like the United Nations Statistical Commission, PARIS21, and the African Union Commission. These partnerships help strengthen Nigeria’s national statistical system.

Advise Policymakers

The NBS advises the federal government on statistical matters and policy issues. It reviews and comments on the quality and accuracy of statistics used to develop policies, programs and projects. The NBS’ role as an objective, non-partisan agency makes its counsel highly valued.

Other key functions and responsibilities of the NBS include:

• Conducting periodic surveys and censuses to generate data on economic, social, and demographic statistics.
• Compiling data on agriculture, manufacturing, energy, trade, finance, prices, government finance, and environment statistics.
• Developing methodologies for data collection, processing, analyzing, archiving and disseminating statistical information.
• Promoting the use of statistical information for policy formulation, planning, monitoring and evaluation.
• Ensuring professionalism and integrity in statistical production in line with international best practices.
• Coordinating statistical activities of data producing agencies and users in the country.
• Compiling and publishing the Consumer Price Index measures inflation and cost of living in Nigeria.
• Publishing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and other economic indicators to monitor the Nigerian economy.
• Providing data and statistics for policy making, planning, and decision making in all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

To achieve its objectives, the NBS works closely with stakeholders, including government ministries, departments and agencies, private sector organizations, civil society organizations, development partners and the general public. The NBS also participates in local and international statistical activities to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise and best practices.

The Board of National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria

The Board of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) comprises experts from various fields who provide guidance on the strategic direction of the Bureau. The governing board of the bureau comprises 15 members, which are:

• 6 Political members from each of the country’s six geo-political zones are appointed by the President and approved and confirmed by the Senate.
• 9 Institutional members. The members are
• The Minister of National Planning Commission or his Representative
• The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria or his Representative
• The Minister of Finance or his Representative
• The Minister of Agriculture or his Representative
• The Minister of Education or his Representative
• The group Managing Director NNPC or his Representative
• The President Manufacturer Association of Nigeria or his Representative
• The President of Nigeria Statistical Association
• Statistician General and Chief Executive of the NSO as the secretary
• The Chairman of the Board is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Minister of National Planning Commission.

The role of the NBS Board is to provide leadership and oversight to ensure the Bureau achieves its mission and strategic objectives. The Board approves the strategic plan, budget, audited accounts and annual reports of the NBS. Board members also evaluate the Director General’s performance and make recommendations to the President on the appointment or removal of the DG.

Who is the Statistician General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria?

The head of the National Bureau of Statistics in Nigeria is Adeniran Adeyemi, the Statistician General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer. As the Statistician General, Adeyemi oversees the operations and administration of the NBS. The mission of the NBS is to produce relevant, accurate, timely and comprehensive social, economic, financial and environmental statistics to support evidence-based decision making in Nigeria.

Adeniran Adeyemi, as the Statistician General, oversees all these functions and activities to ensure the NBS achieves its mission and objectives. He provides leadership and strategic direction to the staff and management of the NBS. The Statistician-General also serves as the technical adviser to the government on all statistical matters.

National Bureau of Statistics Departments

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has several departments that work together to provide official statistics on Nigeria’s economy, population, society and environment.

• Human Resource Management (HRM) Department
• Finance and Accounts (F&A) Department
• General Service Department (GSD)
• Procurement Department (PROCD)
• Reform Coordination and Service Delivery (RCSD) Department
• Demography and Household Statistics (D&HSD) Department
• Field Services and Methodology (FSM) Department
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department
• National Accounts, Energy and Environment Statistics (NAE&ES) Department.
• Prices and Trade (P&T) Department
• Social and Gender Statistics (SGS) Department
• Corporate Planning & Statistical Coordination Department (CP&SCD)
• International Statistical Support Department (ISSD)
• Agricultural and Business Enterprises Department (ABED)
• Communication and Public Relations Department (C&PRD)
• Legal Services & Board Affairs

The Importance of Reliable Data From the NBS for Nigeria’s Development

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) plays an integral role in Nigeria’s development by providing reliable data and statistics. Here are 8 reasons why reliable data from the NBS is so important:

Informed Decision Making

Accurate statistics enable the government and businesses to make evidence-based decisions. With reliable data on sectors like the economy, population, agriculture, health, education, etc., policymakers can develop solutions that directly address the country’s needs.

Improved Governance

Transparent and trustworthy data promotes good governance. Government accountability and effectiveness increase when decisions are backed by facts. The NBS’s independent data and reports also help curb corruption by providing oversight and checks on government institutions.

Attracting Investments

Investors need dependable data to assess opportunities and risks. Credible statistics from the NBS on key indicators like GDP growth, inflation, interest rates, consumer prices, etc., boost investor confidence and make Nigeria an attractive investment destination.

Poverty Reduction Initiatives

Factual information on living standards, income levels, healthcare, education, and employment helps the government implement targeted programs to uplift vulnerable groups and reduce poverty. The NBS generates data that identifies areas of need and tracks the impact of poverty alleviation efforts.

Managing the Economy

The Central Bank and government rely on the NBS’s data to make monetary and fiscal policy decisions that spur economic growth and stability. Statistics on trade, agriculture, manufacturing, and other sectors enable the government to develop a robust and well-informed economic agenda.

Meeting Development Goals

Reliable statistics are necessary to monitor progress on development goals like the SDGs. Data from the NBS provides a way to measure key indicators, identify gaps, and make adjustments to achieve goals in health, education, gender equality, environment, and other areas.

Research and Studies

Credible data from the NBS feeds into insightful research and analysis on Nigeria’s economy, society, and future prospects. Researchers in universities, think tanks, and media rely on the NBS as an authoritative source for studies and reports. Such research, in turn, informs public debate and policymaking.

International Recognition

Accurate and transparent statistics are a marker of a well-functioning society. Data from reputable NBS signals to the international community that Nigeria has capable institutions, values good governance, and is open for business and strategic partnerships. Reliable data is key to Nigeria taking on a leadership role on the global stage.

Challenges Facing the National Bureau of Statistics

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in Nigeria faces several significant challenges in carrying out its mandate. Here are eight of the major issues confronting the NBS:

Inadequate Funding

The NBS is grossly underfunded by the federal government, making it difficult for it to function effectively. More funding is needed to improve data collection, recruit and train qualified staff, and upgrade technology infrastructure.

Shortage of Skilled Personnel

There is a lack of professionally trained statisticians and data analysts. The NBS struggles to attract and retain highly qualified staff due to low pay and poor working conditions. Additional funding could help address this issue through improved compensation and training programs.

Weak Statistical Capacity

Nigeria’s statistical capacity and infrastructure require strengthening. The NBS needs to adopt international best practices, improve processes for data collection and analysis, and implement modern technologies to enhance its statistical capabilities.

Coordination Difficulties

The NBS faces challenges coordinating with various ministries, departments and agencies to obtain essential data. Improved coordination and data sharing between these entities could help address this issue. The NBS may also need legal authority to compel data provision when needed.

Reliance on Outdated Technology

The NBS continues to rely heavily on manual and paper-based systems for data collection and analysis. There is a need for significant investment in modern technology infrastructure, including electronic data capture tools, advanced statistical software, and a robust data management system.

Limited Data Sources

The NBS has limited access to comprehensive, high-quality data sources. Most official statistics are based on sample surveys, and censuses conducted every few years. More frequent surveys, alternative data sources, and methodological improvements could help generate more current and detailed statistics.

Difficulty accessing some communities

Poor road networks and infrastructure make it hard to reach certain areas, especially in rural parts of states.

Transparency Concerns

There are concerns about a lack of transparency in the operations and statistical products of the NBS. Improving transparency through stakeholder engagement, metadata publication, data quality assessments, and audits could help build trust in official statistics.

In summary, addressing funding shortages, personnel issues, weak capacity, coordination challenges, outdated technology, data limitations, difficulty accessing some communities, and transparency concerns would significantly strengthen the National Bureau of Statistics and enable it to fulfil its mission more effectively.

National Bureau of Statistics, Zonal & State Offices

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is the apex statistical agency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The NBS has offices in all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Zonal Offices

For administrative purposes, the NBS state offices are grouped into six geopolitical zones, North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South and South West. Each zone has a Zonal Office headed by a Zonal Controller who oversees and coordinates the activities of state offices in that zone.

• South West – Ibadan
• South East – Enugu
• South South – Calabar
• North West – Kaduna
• North Central – Jos
• North East – Maiduguri

The Zonal Offices provide technical and administrative support to the state offices. They also organize capacity-building programs to strengthen the statistical capacity of staff in the state offices. Data quality audits and field monitoring exercises are carried out regularly by staff from Zonal Offices to ensure high-quality data are collected from the field.

The Zonal Controllers report to the Statistician-General, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the NBS. They work with the Directorate of Field Services and other relevant departments at the NBS headquarters in Abuja to achieve the Bureau’s mandate and mission.

In summary, the NBS Zonal Offices serve as an important coordination link between the headquarters in Abuja and the state offices across Nigeria. They help to strengthen operations at the state level and ensure high-quality and reliable statistics are produced by the Bureau.

National Bureau of Statistics, State Offices

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has a network of State Offices across Nigeria. These offices serve as the first point of contact for data collection within each state. The State Offices report to the NBS headquarters in Abuja, and they work together to coordinate statistical activities across Nigeria.

With 36 states in Nigeria, the NBS relies heavily on its State Offices to gather information from every part of the country. Their work is essential for painting an accurate picture of living conditions, tracking economic and social changes, and informing policies and programs at both state and federal levels.

National Bureau of Statistics, Contact Information

If you need to get in touch with the National Bureau of Statistics, here are the contact details:

Address

National Bureau of Statistics

Head Office

No 1, Wole Olanipekun Street,

Formerly, Plot 762 Independence Avenue

Off Constitution Avenue,

CBD, Abuja, F. C. T.

Mr. Ichedi S.J

Information Desk

Director, Communication & Public Relations Department (C&PRD)

Phone: +2348037051701

sjichedi@nigerianstat.gov.ng

Moses Mathew

Statistical Information Officer

Phone: +2347069071157

matmoses@nigerianstat.gov.ng

Website

The official website of the NBS is http://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/. On the website, you can find details on:

• Surveys and reports conducted by the NBS like Labor Force Statistics, Living Standards Measurement Study, etc.
• Statistical publications and data on socioeconomic and demographic indices
• Information on the organization, management and activities of the NBS
• Details on how to access data, metadata and microdata
• Updates on ongoing activities, events and announcements from the NBS

Social Media

The NBS is active on social media platforms like:

• Twitter – NBS Nigeria (@NBS_Nigeria)
• Facebook – National Bureau of Statistics
• YouTube – National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria (@NBS_Nigeria)
• Instagram – nbs_nigeria

These platforms provide quick updates on the latest releases, reports and activities from the NBS.

The NBS aims to serve as the data hub for Nigeria and they can be contacted through multiple channels for any inquiries or requests for data and statistics on Nigeria’s economy, population, environment and society.

Conclusion

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is the major National Agency in charge of the development and management of official statistics in Nigeria, as well as the authoritative source and custodian of official statistics.