NBS Launches New Initiative to Boost Data Management Across Government
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has launched a major initiative aimed at improving the management and sharing of administrative data among Nigeria’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This move seeks to strengthen service delivery and promote efficient governance.
Speaking at a two-day training event in Abuja on Thursday, the Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemi Adeniran, described the launch of the Integrated Systems of Administrative Statistics (ISAS) as a turning point for Nigeria’s national statistics system. He explained that until now, administrative data had been scattered, underused, or even lost due to siloed systems.
“The ISAS initiative represents our bold response to this long-standing challenge,” Adeniran said. “It is a comprehensive, historic approach to transforming how administrative data is collected, managed, shared, and used across all tiers of government.”
The ISAS will act as a centralised data repository, accessible to policymakers, researchers, and the public, enabling seamless data exchange between the NBS and MDAs. This effort is not only technical but also cultural and institutional, requiring collaboration across government bodies.
During the training, participants were equipped with new hardware and software to support integration and communication through ISAS. This technology will enable better data quality, institutional synergy, and foster a new era of cooperation in managing Nigeria’s statistics.
Azeez Mustapha, the ISAS Project Coordinator, explained that the platform will harmonise statistical processes and bring all participating MDAs into a unified framework. The pilot phase will onboard 15 key MDAs, including Ministries of Petroleum Resources, Education, Health, Justice, Women Affairs, as well as agencies like the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigerian Ports Authority, and Nigeria Police Force.
Participants also committed to signing a Data Supply Pledge, promising to share administrative data regularly and promptly to support the initiative.
Victor Okafor, representing the World Bank, praised the programme as a sign of Nigeria’s growing technical and statistical capacity. He assured continued support for developing the country’s national statistics ecosystem.
The Ministry of Justice representative, Victoria Ojogbane, thanked NBS for the collaboration and confirmed that the equipment would be used responsibly to enhance data management.
This new initiative promises to revolutionise Nigeria’s approach to data, underpinning better governance and sustainable development through a robust, integrated, and harmonised data system.
