The Statistician General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, emphasized that the new document will involve stakeholder consultations and inclusions, and will specifically capture vulnerable and physically challenged persons. He highlighted that the new statistics will guide the government in policy formulation, resource allocation, and progress evaluation.
Stakeholder engagement in all the northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has begun the process of data gathering since September 2023. Adeniran also outlined five cardinal principles that must be present in crafting the new strategy, including inclusivity, quality, and accuracy, innovation and technology, capacity building, as well as partnership and collaboration.
The event was opened by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who commended Adeniran for his efforts to modernize the statistical system and urged participants to contribute diligently to the new NSDS to address gaps and challenges hindering the production of unified data that accurately reflects current emerging realities in the country.
