NBS: Objective Data Custodian or Government Influence Tool

Is the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) truly independent? Explore its reports, methodology, and controversies surrounding Nigeria’s official data.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) plays a vital role in Nigeria as the primary custodian of the nation’s official statistics, responsible for gathering and managing critical data. Its mission is to support development planning and evidence-based policymaking through reliable data dissemination.

However, the agency’s credibility has faced increasing public scrutiny. Some critics question the accuracy and independence of NBS reports, alleging they sometimes fail to represent Nigeria’s true economic realities. Accusations have also surfaced suggesting the bureau might be influenced to align with government interests.

Public Concerns About Data Accuracy

In July and August 2024, the NBS reported a decline in Nigeria’s inflation rate to 33.40% and 32.15% respectively. This led to public suspicion, with many believing the figures were adjusted to create a positive economic narrative. Similarly, the Q2 2024 Labour Force Survey reported a drop in unemployment to 4.3% from 5.3% in Q1. Many Nigerians questioned the reliability of this figure, citing widespread youth unemployment as a persistent issue.

Reports Unfavorable to the Government

Despite criticism, the NBS has released data that challenges the government’s image. The 2024 Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) revealed alarming statistics, including:

• 2.2 million kidnapping cases between May 2023 and April 2024.
• ₦2.2 trillion paid as ransom during the period.

Additionally, the 2022 Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) reported that 133 million Nigerians (62.9% of the population) experience multidimensional poverty.

Methodological Reforms and International Standards

The NBS has actively updated its data collection processes to align with global standards. For instance, the Nigeria Labour Force Survey (NLFS) adopted a revised methodology in 2022, reflecting practices approved by the International Labour Organization (ILO). Key improvements included:

• The one-hour work criterion, where an individual is considered employed if they worked for pay or profit for at least an hour in the past seven days.
• Enhanced questionnaire design, sampling techniques, and data validation processes.

Collaboration with the World Bank has further supported the accuracy and reliability of these surveys.

Addressing Allegations of Bias

The Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemi Adeniran, has reaffirmed the bureau’s objectivity, emphasizing stakeholder workshops for methodological reviews. He stated:

“Our data is produced without influence. It captures the realities on the ground to inform better policy decisions.”

Similarly, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, asserted the agency’s independence during the 2024 African Statistics Day celebration.

Significant Recent Reports

• 2024 Cost of a Healthy Diet Indicator (in partnership with GAIN): Provides monthly insights into food affordability.
• National Agricultural Sample Census (NASC): Released in June 2024, revealing 40.2 million agricultural households after a 27-year gap.
• Nigeria Residential Energy Demand-Side Survey (NREDSS): Showed 67.8% of households rely on fuelwood and recommended increased LPG stations and decentralized power grids.

Conclusion

The National Bureau of Statistics remains committed to delivering transparent, timely, and objective data, essential for Nigeria’s socio-economic development. While doubts persist, the agency continues refining its methodologies with international support, aiming to uphold data integrity and public trust.