NBS improves e-data collection system

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said it has begun an enhanced data collection system to eliminate the manual processes.

The Statistician-General of the Federation, Dr Yemi Kale, said this during the 2020 World Statistics Day celebration held in Abuja.

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Dr Kale said NBS has switched from using paper questionnaires for data collection to using Global Positioning System (GPS)-enabled Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing System (CAPI) devices for all household data collection.

He said though the NBS is constrained financially carrying out data collection, the Bureau acknowledged the centrality of quality data in national development.

Describing the theme of the celebration, ‘Connecting the World with Data We Can Trust’, as apt, Kale said the data was important in addressing the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic and exposed the need for using data to connect the world.

President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Prof Sarah Anyawu, at the event, stressed the need for data in planning and economic development.

Prof. Anyawu said global interventions in countries depend on reliable data and called on Nigeria to place more importance on generation of credible data.