The World Bank has stated that Nigeria requires an annual investment of $10 to $15 million in its statistical system to surpass the performance of countries like South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia.
This was disclosed by Johan Mistiaen, World Bank Practice Manager for West and Central Africa, during a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, on Wednesday, March 26. Mistiaen, accompanied by World Bank Country Director Ndiame Diop, made the recommendation while presenting a report titled “Next-Level Statistics to Support Nigeria’s Reform and Growth Agenda.”
A statement from World Bank spokesperson Julie Osagie-Jacobs quoted Mistiaen as saying:
“Nigeria’s statistical performance is not on par with its aspirational peers such as Mexico, Colombia, South Africa, and Brazil. Investing about $10-15 million annually into the country’s statistical system can elevate its performance to match these nations.”
In response, Minister Bagudu reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to maintaining the independence of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and pledged continued support to ensure the production of reliable socio-economic data.
