NBS Convenes 1st Bi-Annual NCCS Meeting in Kano, Calls for Data-Driven Governance

By Chukwu Favour
National Bureau of Statistics | August 26, 2026

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Wednesday opened the 1st Bi-Annual Meeting of the National Consultative Committee on Statistics (NCCS) in Kano State, bringing together key stakeholders from across Nigeria's statistical system for a two-day programme centred on strengthening data production, coordination and use for national development.

The event, held under the theme "Unlocking Data Dividends for National Development: Advancing Administrative Statistics and Data-Driven Governance," convened members of the NCCS — the statutory coordinating body of Nigeria's National Statistical System — including representatives from Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), State Bureaus of Statistics, academia, and other data stakeholders.

The opening ceremony commenced at 9:00 am with the National Anthem and National Prayer, setting a formal tone for the proceedings.

A welcome address was delivered by the Kano State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Musa Suleiman Shanono, on behalf of the host state, followed by goodwill messages from distinguished guests and stakeholders in attendance.

The highlight of the opening session was the Keynote Address delivered by the Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the NBS, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, who set the tone for the meeting with a call to action for all members of the National Statistical System.

Prince Adeniran underscored the urgent need for Nigeria to move beyond data production and embrace a culture of evidence-based governance, stating:

"We must move from seeing data merely as an output to recognising it as an asset that generates value for the country. This value takes the form of better policies, more effective planning and resource allocation, stronger accountability, and a clearer understanding of our economy and society."

He highlighted the rapidly evolving nature of Nigeria's statistical landscape, noting that the demand for timely, credible, and disaggregated information had never been greater, and that data sources were expanding well beyond traditional censuses and surveys:

"Beyond censuses, surveys and administrative records, we now see growing volumes of digital, telecommunications, financial and geospatial data reshaping how we understand our economy and society."

The Statistician-General also briefed participants on recent activities of the Bureau, including the completion of data collection for the seventh round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS7), the finalisation of the 2025 National Agricultural Sample Survey (NASS) report, and the completion of the Ward Enumeration Exercise under the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme. He further announced that Nigeria would, for the first time, host the 20th Meeting of the Committee of Directors-General of Statistics Offices in Africa (CoDGs) in December 2026 — a milestone he described as significant for the entire Nigerian statistical system.

On the importance of administrative data, he urged all institutions to treat their routine records as a strategic national resource:

"Every day, schools, hospitals, tax authorities, immigration and security institutions, courts and businesses generate data as part of their normal operations. If properly managed, standardised and quality-assured, this administrative data can complement our surveys and censuses, reduce duplication and strengthen the wider national evidence base."

KEYNOTE ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE STATISTICIAN-GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION/CEO NATIONAL BUREAU OF STATISTICS AT THE EVENT

The opening address was delivered by the Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, FNICE, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim. The Governor's representative reaffirmed Kano State's commitment to supporting statistical development and data-driven governance at the subnational level.

OPENING REMARKS DELIVERED BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KANO STATE ABLY REPRESENTED BY THE  SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNOR, KANO STATE

The opening ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by the Director, Corporate Planning and Statistical Coordination Department, Mrs. Titilola Awolowo, followed by a group photograph of all participants.

CROSS-SECTION OF PARTICIPANTS DURING THE EVENT