‘The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics in the web of data compromise’

The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), once heralded as a beacon of transparency and credibility in both national and global development circles, is now facing a historic crisis. The recent actions of the bureau under its current leadership have triggered widespread outrage, questioning its competence, professionalism, and independence.

For every country, including Nigeria, data is not just information; it is the foundation for growth, planning, investment, and development. Institutions like the NBS serve as the nation’s compass, offering insight into realities that inform policies, budget allocations, economic forecasts, and international investment decisions. But now, the very credibility of this institution is being called into question.

In an unprecedented move, the NBS deleted critical datasets from its official website, sparking concern among analysts, civil society, and international observers. An act unheard of even in developing countries where data infrastructure remains fragile.

Sources say that the NBS, under current leadership, who previously worked under the respected former Statistician-General Dr. Yemi Kale, has become increasingly the subject of attention. This establishment was once marked by a strong reputation for maintaining independence from political pressures, allowing data to speak truth to power. That independence appears to be eroding rapidly.

“This is the first time we are witnessing this level of incompetence,” said a member of the ‘Take It Back’ protest movement that emerged in response to the scandal. “Data is all we have to understand our reality. If it’s compromised, we’re all in the dark. And if the government remains silent, then it is complicit.”

The independence of the NBS is not just a bureaucratic issue; it is a matter of national security and democratic accountability. Just as the judiciary must remain impartial, the nation’s data body must remain professional and non-political. A compromised NBS means a compromised Nigeria.

As calls for accountability grow louder, many believe that restoring the integrity of the Bureau is no longer optional; it is essential. Without honest, transparent, and accessible data, true transformation in Nigeria will remain a distant dream.

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