The World Bank has expressed discomfort with Nigeria's statistical performance, citing a significant gap between the country's current statistical capabilities and those of its aspirational peers. In a recent meeting with the Nigerian Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, a delegation from the World Bank led by Country Director Ndiame Diop and Practice Manager for West and Central Africa Johan Mistiaen, highlighted the need for improvement in Nigeria's statistical system.

According to Mistiaen, Nigeria's statistical performance lags behind that of Mexico, Colombia, South Africa, and Brazil, countries with which Nigeria is often compared. The World Bank's concerns were made public in a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Julie Osagie-Jacobs. The statement noted that Mistiaen's presentation, titled "Next Level Statistics to Support Nigeria's Reform and Growth Agenda," emphasized the need for Nigeria to invest in its statistical system to achieve parity with its peers.

The recommended investment of $10-15 million annually is expected to raise Nigeria's statistical performance to that of its aspirational peers. This investment would be crucial in supporting Nigeria's reform and growth agenda, enabling the country to make informed decisions based on reliable data. The World Bank's concerns are not unfounded, as accurate and reliable statistics are essential for effective policy-making and economic development.

In response to the World Bank's concerns, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, the Nigerian Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, assured that the National Bureau of Statistics' autonomy would be upheld by the Federal Government. He commended the Bureau for issuing reliable and systematic statistics that have been relied upon by respectable international organizations. The minister also expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its continued technical and financial assistance to the agency, which has been essential to the development of its institutional framework.

The World Bank's concerns over Nigeria's statistical performance are not isolated. The country has struggled with data collection and management, which has hindered its ability to make informed decisions and track its progress. The recommended investment in the statistical system could be a crucial step towards addressing these challenges and positioning Nigeria for sustainable economic growth.

The implications of the World Bank's concerns extend beyond Nigeria's borders. As a key player in the African economy, Nigeria's statistical performance has a ripple effect on the continent's economic development. The World Bank's recommendations, if implemented, could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria's economic growth and development, as well as its ability to contribute to regional and global economic agendas.

In conclusion, the World Bank's concerns over Nigeria's statistical performance are a wake-up call for the country to invest in its statistical system. The recommended investment of $10-15 million annually is a crucial step towards achieving parity with its aspirational peers and supporting Nigeria's reform and growth agenda. As Nigeria moves forward, it is essential to prioritize the development of its statistical system, recognizing the critical role it plays in informing policy decisions and driving economic growth.