Abuja:The Chartered Institute of Statisticians of Nigeria (CISON) has emphasized the need for a population and housing census, as well as the reintroduction of statistics teaching in secondary schools. This call was made by CISON President, Dr. Godday Ebuh, during the 3rd International Conference and the 50th anniversary of CISON, held from October 14 to October 16.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Ebuh highlighted the importance of statisticians being central to national decision-making in a data-driven era. He urged the government to ensure predictable funding and professional independence for statistical institutions, along with the employment of qualified personnel and the development of modern data infrastructure. Additionally, he called on state governments to create functional statistics bureaux across all 36 states to support the national statistical office.
Senator Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, underscored the significance of credible data in planning and budgeting, stating that investing in statistics leads to better budget management. He supported CISON’s initiative to start certification examinations in 2027 and encouraged the institute to maintain high professional standards and innovation.
Professor Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, represented by Abubakar Othman, Director of Economic Research and Policy Management, affirmed that reliable data is crucial for economic management and public policy formulation. He urged CISON to enhance engagement with data science, digital technologies, and statistical literacy.
The conference, themed “From Legacy to Leadership 50 Years of Promoting Statistical Development in Nigeria,” gathered statisticians, policymakers, academics, and development partners to discuss the future of statistical development in the country.