By Ignatius Chukwu
One of Nigeria’s foremost technocrats and turnaround expert, Dr Dakuku Peterside, says without adequate data and reliable statistics, Nigeria would continue to struggle in the march towards socio-political and economic development.
Dr Peterside stated this at the National bureau of Statistics (NBS) national stakeholders workshop on the production of national strategy for the development of statistics, phase 3.
According to him, “Statistics, often described as the ‘science of uncertainty,’ is an indispensable tool in the arsenal of any nation aspiring to achieve sustainable growth and development. It provides us with vital information, enabling us to understand the complexities of our society, make informed decisions, and shape policies that benefit our citizens.”
While noting that the call for a National Strategy for the Development of Statistics in Nigeria is not merely a suggestion; he outlined some compelling reasons why the strategy is not just necessary but crucial.
He said: “A well-developed statistical system is essential for effective governance. It empowers our policymakers with accurate and up-to-date information to make informed decisions. It allows us to monitor the progress of our national development goals, track the impact of policies, and adjust our strategies as needed.
“Second, statistics play a fundamental role in economic planning and growth. Accurate data on our economic activities, such as GDP, employment rates, inflation, and trade, are indispensable for crafting policies that stimulate economic prosperity. They attract investment and international cooperation, fostering economic stability and job creation.
“Third, the importance of health and education cannot be overstated. Reliable statistics are vital for assessing the state of our healthcare system and education sector. They guide resource allocation, aid in identifying areas that require improvement, and help us evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to enhance the lives of our citizens.
“Fourth, in an interconnected world, statistics enable us to meet international obligations and standards. Adequate data is critical for reporting on our progress with regard to the Sustainable Development Goals and complying with international treaties and agreements.”
The former House of Reps member stressed that there is a link between climate change statistics and, agriculture, healthcare, poverty, natural disasters and hydrocarbon exploitation, pointing out that such data would help a lot in planning and decision making.
Peterside, who is also former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), added that the private sector benefits tremendously from reliable statistical data, just entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses depend on economic and market statistics to make strategic decisions, expand their operations, and contribute to job creation and national economic growth.
He believes that a national strategy for the development of statistics can foster a culture of research, innovation, and accountability, in addition to creating an environment where statisticians, researchers, and institutions are motivated, well-resourced, and encouraged to develop innovative data collection methods and techniques.
“A National Strategy for the Development of Statistics is not merely a policy choice; it is a choice for the future of Nigeria. It is a choice for transparency, accountability, sustainable development, and ultimately, the well-being of our citizens.
“We must unite in our efforts to establish and support this strategy, working collaboratively with all relevant stakeholders, to ensure a prosperous, informed, and thriving Nigeria for generations to come,” he summed up.
