Abstract

National Statistical Offices (NSOs) have traditionally relied on censuses, surveys, and administrative data to produce official statistics that inform policy decisions. However, the rapid evolution of technology has led to an exponential increase in data volume, variety, and velocity, necessitating innovative approaches to enhance the capabilities of NSOs. The Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is committed to improving its mandate of producing, managing, and disseminating official statistics by embracing cutting-edge ideas to deliver more robust and comprehensive statistics that meet the needs of its users. From Paper to Computer Assisted personnel Interview (CAPI), Computer Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI) and new technologies springing forth like Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Bureau has also evolved and realized advancement and engaged larger audience and more users of its product. Despite its willingness to innovate, the NBS still faces significant challenges in adopting new methods, including resistance to change, fear of job displacement, insufficient funding, Lack of technological knowledge and the list goes on. This paper chronicles the history of the NBS from its inception as the Office of Statistics to its merger with the National Data Bank, highlighting its progress in embracing innovative approaches to official statistics production and the challenges it faces in this pursuit. The paper aims to contribute to the global conversation on the role of innovation in modernizing statistical systems and enhancing the relevance of official statistics in the digital era in Nigeria.