'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has expressed concern over growing public skepticism and criticisms of the data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), labeling them as baseless and unwarranted.
In a policy statement issued on Wednesday, IMPI defended the integrity of NBS methodologies and called for a more informed and fact-based discourse regarding national economic data. The statement was a response to recent backlash over the findings of the General Household Survey (GHS) Panel (Wave 5), which highlighted the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, including a lack of access to healthy meals for 65% of families.
According to IMPI, while the GHS findings were embraced by government critics as a true reflection of economic hardship, other reports, such as declining inflation rates, improved unemployment figures, and GDP growth, have been met with suspicion and accusations of data manipulation.
“Some critics label the reports as 'voodoo data' or 'propaganda figures' without presenting any substantive evidence,” IMPI Chairman Omoniyi M. Akinsiju said. “This selective acceptance and rejection of NBS data undermine the credibility of empirical research and informed policymaking.”
NBS Methodology: Global Standards and Context
IMPI clarified that the NBS employs methodologies aligned with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards. The updated framework defines employed individuals as those who have worked for at least one hour in the past seven days, broadening the definition to include part-time and self-employed individuals.
This approach contrasts with the previous methodology, which required a minimum of 20 hours of work to classify as employment. By incorporating the informal sector, which accounts for a significant portion of Nigeria’s workforce, the methodology provides a more comprehensive picture of the labor market.
“Critics’ misunderstanding of these methodological changes contributes to their dismissive attitudes,” Akinsiju stated. “The shift is not a manipulation but an adaptation to accurately reflect the socio-economic realities of a developing economy like Nigeria’s.”
Economic Performance: GDP and Sectoral Contributions
IMPI also defended recent GDP figures, which showed a 3.46% year-on-year growth in Q3 2024, up from 2.54% in Q3 2023. Critics had argued that the growth, driven primarily by the services sector, was non-inclusive and failed to address structural economic challenges.
The services sector, which contributed 53.58% to GDP in Q3 2024, remains a critical driver of Nigeria’s economic growth, according to IMPI. “While agriculture and manufacturing are vital, the service sector’s role in job creation and revenue generation cannot be ignored,” Akinsiju said.
IMPI highlighted the robust performance of the ICT sub-sector, which grew by 6.78% in Q3 2024, emphasizing its potential as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s digital economy. “Investments in ICT, along with supportive policy frameworks, will not only sustain this growth but also position Nigeria as a global digital leader,” the statement read.
Call for Balanced Analysis
IMPI urged critics and policymakers to approach NBS data with objectivity and a nuanced understanding of the methodologies and socio-economic context. It also encouraged government investments in agriculture and manufacturing alongside the service sector to ensure balanced and inclusive economic growth.
“The selective justification of data by perennial critics undermines meaningful discourse and policy interventions. We must engage with facts and empirical evidence rather than emotions,” Akinsiju concluded.
The IMPI’s statement highlights the need for informed debates on Nigeria’s economic trajectory and underscores the role of credible data in driving sustainable development policies.
