Budget Minister Urges NBS, Other Stakeholders to Improve Quality of Data

James Emejo in Abuja

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, yesterday said the country must address issues around data gaps, capacity limitations, and resource constraints that hinder the production of comprehensive educational statistics.
The minister further urge all stakeholders – government officials, statisticians, educators, development partners, and the private sector, to renew their commitment to advancing the quality of data we produce.
He spoke at the opening of the  2024 African Statistics Day (ASD) with the theme, “Supporting Education by Modernising the Production of Fit-for-Purpose Statistics”, in Abuja.
The minister called for greater investments in capacity building, enhanced training programmes for statistical personnel, and the adoption of performance management practices to ensure data quality and reliability.
He said collaboration between government agencies, development partners, and educational stakeholders was also essential to streamline efforts and maximise impact.
He pointed out that “statistics are not just numbers; they represent the aspirations, challenges, and potential of millions of African children and youth whose future depends on the decisions we make today.”
He stressed that this year’s ASD should serve as a reminder of the shared responsibility and as an inspiration to push the boundaries of what is possible in statistical innovation.
He said, “Together, by modernising our statistical framework and aligning them with the educational priorities of the African Union, we can empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed for a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable Africa.”
Bagudu said, “As we reflect on this year’s theme, it is clear that robust and reliable statistical systems are critical to supporting education and skill development across our continent.
“In this rapidly evolving world driven by technology and innovation, data serves as the foundation upon which sound policies are built, monitored, and evaluated.
“Without modern and fit-for-purpose statistics, it becomes a challenge to create strategies that truly address the educational and training needs of our young population.”
The minister said education, remained not only a fundamental human right but also a key driver of sustainable development and economic prosperity.
He said for Africa to thrive in the 21st century, the continent must equip its people – particularly youths, with the skills needed to navigate and contribute to the global economy.
He noted that achieving this required data that is not only comprehensive but also accurate, timely, and tailored to specific purposes.
According to the minister, “The modernisation of statistical production is not just a technical necessity but an urgent imperative. In today’s dynamic world, education systems face evolving challenges that demand adaptive, high-quality, and fit-for-purpose data.
“By embracing technological advancements, leveraging big data, and integrating innovative methodologies, we can create a statistical ecosystem that meets the complex needs of policymakers, educators, and communities.”