Speaking during the opening session, the Deputy Resident Representative UNICEF Nigeria, Dr. Rownak Khan, commended the NBS for its exemplary leadership throughout the survey process and for maintaining the highest standards of quality in the collection and management of data. She noted that the validation exercise is a critical step towards ensuring data ownership, reliability, accuracy, and confidence in the survey results.

The Honourable Minister of State Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Doris Anite also applauded the Bureau for its rigorous approach to data collection, highlighting the commitment of field teams in reaching remote and hard-to-reach communities to ensure comprehensive coverage and representation. She emphasized the importance of quality data in informing evidence-based policies and programmes that improve the lives of Nigerians.

In his remarks, the Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of NBS Prince Adeyemi Adeniran underscored the significance of the data validation exercise in strengthening the quality and credibility of the survey outcomes. He urged participants to approach the assignment with the highest level of professionalism and diligence, leveraging their expertise to ensure that the final results accurately reflect realities on the ground and provide a reliable basis for planning, policy formulation, and development interventions.