Reps push bill to reform Nigeria’s statistical system

The House of Representatives is pushing to reform Nigeria’s statistical system with a new  bill aimed at replacing the existing Statistics Act of 2007, which lawmakers argued can no longer cope with the demands of a fast-changing digital economy.

Speaking on Monday at a public hearing on the Statistics Bill, 2025 held in Abuja, Adegboyega  Isiaka, Chairman of the House Committee on National Planning and Economic Development, said the review became necessary because the 2007 law can no longer serve the realities of the 21st century digital environment.

He noted that modern data systems now rely on tools such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, geospatial technologies and real-time data platforms, which were not fully captured in the old legal framework.

Isiaka said the bill has already passed first and second reading in the House and is now at the public hearing stage to gather stakeholder input. He urged participants to contribute openly and objectively to strengthen the proposed law.

Alao speaking Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the House said the bill aims establish a stronger, more modern statistical system that can respond to the demands of today’s digital economy. According to him, the current law was made in a very different era, before the rise of big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other technologies now shaping how information is produced and used.

He explained that the new bill is not a minor adjustment but a full reform of Nigeria’s statistical architecture, adding that it is designed to improve how the National Bureau of Statistics and the wider National Statistical System operate, especially in terms of coordination, funding and data production.

The Speaker said reliable statistics remain the foundation of planning, policy making and development. Without credible data, he warned, governance becomes guesswork rather than evidence-based decision making.

He added that as Nigeria pushes towards economic transformation, industrial growth and a $1 trillion economy ambition, the demand for accurate and timely data has become even more urgent. He said every major government decision, from budgeting to infrastructure planning, depends on strong statistical systems.

The bill, he said, also seeks to introduce improved funding for the National Bureau of Statistics, strengthen data quality, reduce duplication of data collection across government agencies and support the production of more detailed and real-time information. He added that it also aims to improve digital systems for data collection and sharing.

Abbas stressed that the National Assembly remains committed to transparency and public participation in lawmaking, saying the public hearing was an opportunity for stakeholders to make inputs that will strengthen the final law.

Also speaking at the hearing, Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics, also backed the bill, saying it will help modernise Nigeria’s statistical system and improve the production of credible data for national development.

He said the current Statistics Act of 2007 has served its purpose but can no longer fully support today’s data environment, which is driven by digital technology and new sources of information.

Adeniran said the proposed law will strengthen coordination within the National Statistical System, improve professional standards, enhance institutional capacity and support better decision-making across government.

He added that the bill is structured into eight parts and 42 clauses, covering governance, data management, funding, confidentiality and coordination among statistical agencies.

He assured stakeholders that the National Bureau of Statistics remains committed to working with all partners to ensure the successful implementation of the new law once passed.