Abstract

Official statistics can foster democracy and accountability at all levels of government and society, ensuring that the people get the maximum benefits of good governance. A key component of Nigeria’s Statistical System is the Sub-National Statistical Office (SSO). The SSOs play a crucial role in collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data that inform policy and decision-making processes at both the state and national levels. The National Statistical System (NSS) gives the NSOs the responsibility of providing accurate and localized data that reflect their respective jurisdictions' unique socio-economic conditions, needs, and opportunities.
In a country as diverse as Nigeria, with 36 states and a Federal Capital Territory, sub-national data is vital for understanding the variations in development across different regions. SSOs help ensure national policies are relevant for national and local realities, fostering equitable development and effective governance.
This presentation examines the evolving role of SSOs in Nigeria as a critical success factor in the success of the National Statistical System and ultimately the delivery of good governance in Nigeria. While dwelling on the Benue State experience, we make the case that the SSO is a key to unlocking a significant part of the desired success of Nigeria’s NSS and ultimately link this to the delivery of democracy and good governance in Nigeria.