Abuja: The Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBoS) is undertaking a study tour to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) as part of efforts to enhance its statistical capacity. The Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemi Adeniran, stated that the five-day tour aims to share knowledge on advancing the statistical systems in both countries and Africa.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adeniran explained that the GBoS team will learn how the NBS adopts international best practices in data production. They will explore new methods of data generation and the application of technology and innovation in data production. The GBoS is particularly interested in the NBS’s approach to conducting the National Agriculture Sample Census and the subsequent sample survey, as well as the successful production of quarterly labour force statistics. These methodologies have been revised recently to align with International Labour Organization standards.
Adeniran noted that Nigeria possesses one of Africa’s leading statistical systems, attracting study tours from GBoS and other West African countries. The success of the NBS is attributed to the support from the Federal Government, which has allowed the bureau to apply robust methodologies and engage stakeholders in their data production process. He assured the GBoS team of valuable knowledge sharing during their visit.
Nyakaasi Sanyang, the Statistician-General of GBoS, expressed appreciation for Adeniran’s dedication to regional statistical development. Sanyang emphasized that the tour would provide GBoS with opportunities to learn best practices and innovative methodologies from the NBS, fostering regional collaboration. He highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s role in advancing statistics across Africa, noting that The Gambia’s last agriculture census in 2011 was paper-based, underscoring the need for learning modern techniques.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the tour’s theme is ‘Enhancing Statistical Capacity: A Study Tour on National Agricultural Sample Census and Labour Force Survey’.