The National Bureau of Statistics says implementation of the newly launched National Strategy for the Development of Statistics aimed at achieving integrated data system, will commence in 2017.
The Statistician-General, Dr. Yemi Kale, announced this at the closing of the two-day National Consultative Committee on Statistics on Thursday in Abuja.
Kale, represented by Simeon Harry, Head of Corporate Planning and Technical Coordination of the NBS, said that the Federal Government had started sourcing for fund for the implementation.
He said the negotiation for the funding of the implementation was on top gear and that adequate resources would be provided for that.
Kale said: “So, I don’t want you to entertain any fear; government is already committed to implementing it and certainly it will do so.
“The government is packaging the issue of statistical development as part of the key activities that will be funded through the World Bank loan that the government has negotiated.
“We are just waiting for National Assembly; as soon as that is done, the implementation will commence.”
The statistician-general, however, said that the NBS had begun data collection for the Sustainable Development Goals at the state level.
Kale said that the SDGs office, in collaboration with the NBS, would be working with the state Bureaus of Statistics to collect data to establish baseline for the SDGs implementation and monitoring.
He, however, solicited the cooperation of state statistical offices to achieve the project.
Meanwhile, a document on “NSDS II” obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria from the NCCS Secretariat, stated that it would enhance timeliness and quality of data.
The document stated that the NSDS II was designed to provide mechanisms for a holistic reform of the Nigeria Statistical System, which would ensure integrated and united data production system.
It said: “The NSDS II is intended to cover the entire NSS, bringing together all agencies involved in data production across three tiers of government.
“It also attempts to integrate the statistical strategies and master plans for the national and sub-national governments.
“It will not only serve as a comprehensive effort to present an assessment of the status of the NSS, but help to address strategic issues, including Development of NSDS
implementation and Financing Plan and Action Plan over a period of five years (2017-2021).
“The NSDS II will provide an opportunity to further strengthen the National Statistical System and closing the gaps that still exist from the National Statistical Master Plan and most recent version of NSDS.”
It further stated that the implementation of the NSDS II would be done in an inclusive manner to provide a unified framework for addressing the immediate and remote challenges still faced at various stages of the statistical system.
Kale added: “The implementation of NSDS II is expected to integrate Change Agenda of the present government, National Vision 20:2020, SDG and other development initiatives.”
NAN reports that the meeting was organised by NBS with funding from European Union under the EU Support to the Federal Governance Reform Programme in Nigeria.
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