NBS, UNICEF launch 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey

The Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Tuesday officially launched Nigeria’s 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) and National Immunization Coverage Survey (NICS) report, providing reliable nationwide and internationally comparable data to monitor the situation of children and women in Nigeria.

The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey is a household survey developed by UNICEF to assist countries in filling data gaps for monitoring human development indicators in general and the situation of children and women, in particular.

It has evolved over the years to respond to changing data needs, expanding from 28 indicators in the first round in 1999 to 200 in its current sixth.

In a joint statement issued by Ichedi, Sunday Joel of the National Bureau of Statistics and Geoffery Njoku,
Director, Communication & Public Relation, UNICEF Nigeria, said “Study finds that exclusive breastfeeding rate increased from 24 per cent to 34 per cent, while nearly 60 per cent of Nigerian children are now registered at birth with civil authorities”

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) implemented MICS which provides data on child mortality, health, nutrition, education, child and social protection, women’s health care and empowerment, water, sanitation and hygiene, while NICS assesses vaccination coverage provided through the health systems.

Indicators produced for the first time include social transfer, household energy use, child functioning and foundational learning skills, and the survey measures the government’s progress towards national commitments and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The MICS results reveal that Nigeria has made progress in some sectors. Child mortality decreased from 1 in 8 children dying before their fifth birthday (MICS 2016) to 1 in 10 children (MICS 2021).

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There has also been significant progress in exclusive breastfeeding and birth registration rates – the exclusive breastfeeding rate increased from 24 percent to 34 percent, while nearly 60 percent of Nigerian children are now registered at birth with civil authorities, compared to 47 percent in 2016.

In addition, child marriage (women married before age 18) has reduced from 44 percent to 30 percent since 2016.

The Statistician-General of the Federation/CEO National Bureau of Statistics Prince Adeyemi Adeniran said, “The 2021 Nigeria MICS-NICS report provides evidence-based data for all key stakeholders to prioritise quality services for children and women with higher efficiency and effectiveness.

“As we build back better from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the MICS-NICS survey provides evidence to shape interventions and focus resources in a way that helps children and their families reach their full potential”.

Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria said, “The information collated will inform policies aimed at social inclusion of the most vulnerable population, help identify disparities, and allow for international comparability.

“Data is critical for effective budgeting and decision making – and the data from these surveys together paint a picture of the situation for children and families in Nigeria”.

According to him, “The picture is a mixed one. While there has been some good progress, and we should celebrate that – we still have a long way to go to towards ensuring the well-being of children in Nigeria.

“The findings of this survey will help guide the Federal and State Governments as they plan their budgets – providing evidence for where more support and funds need to be wisely allocated and utilized.

“Using the data to monitor progress towards our collective commitments to children and families, and inform future action is critical if we must leave no one behind.”