THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE NIGERIAN STATISTICAL SYSTEM AND IT'S POTENTIALS TO GOOD GOVERNANCE

Abstract

 The global emergence of statistics as a veritable tool for development became prominent in the late 1990s and the early part of the 21st century. The objective of this paper is to review the historical development of the National Statistical System (NSS) and critically analyze the changes that have taken place in the organizational structure. Data was obtained on FOS Capital Budget for 2000 – 2003 and National Data Bank Capital Budget for 1999 – 2003 from Statistical master plan for the Nigerian National Statistical System (2004/5 – 2008/9). Also, facts on human resources depicting Staffing Position by Category for the period 2001 through 2003 was extracted from Data Production and Information Management in Nigeria (Incorporating Policy Guidelines). In addition, data on Countries Receiving international financial aid (Commitments) was extracted from Partner Report on Support to Statistics (PRESS).Tabulation, simple bar charts, mean, median, mode and trend line were used for statistical analysis. Findings showed an astronomical increase in demand for data in recent times due to the search for new opportunities and agitation for accountability by citizens. However, progress remains insufficient, suppliers/users are not statistically literate, funding support is largely donordriven. The government should put in place a sustainability programme as the case is with advanced economies. This starts with higher budgetary allocation to the sector to be supported by the organized private sector and other stakeholders. Also, the Statistical Master Plan should be updated and the content adhered to in order to strengthen the statistical system appropriately. Ultimately, every Nigerian needs to be statistically literate