World Bank Undertakes Statistics Reforms In States

THE World Bank and other stakeholders in the Statistics for Result Facility (SRF) project funded by the World Bank have commenced on the spot inspection of facilities in six pilot states in the country ahead full take-off.

The World Bank team, led by John Ngwafon, told journalists in Awka that the supervision will tackle perceived and existing challenges concerning development and use of statistics in the country.

The project has commenced its Phase One in Anambra, Edo, Bauchi, Kaduna, Niger and Ondo States. Phase One covers 18 months. It kicked off June 2011 and is expected to round off January 2013. The team leaves Awka for Benin, the Edo State capital.

According to Ngwafon, “we have a work-plan to guide implementation of the project in such areas as consultancy, manpower development and facilities on ground in the six pilot states, among other aspects. And the aim was to support development of statistics in Nigeria.”

The leader of the team from the Federal Ministry of Finance, Suleiman Kolo, stated that through the project, they intend to reform the gathering and use of statistical data by agencies and offices of government in Nigeria.

The World Bank and other project partners are enhancing the state offices through logistical support, office equipment, computers, tables, chairs, bookshelves, photocopiers and vehicles amongst others. They expressed optimism and satisfaction with the Anambra office and urged them to keep up the good work.

The Statistician General of Anambra State, Mr. Izuchukwu Ifeanyi Boniface, confirmed receipt of the listed equipment from the World Bank. He took the team round to inspect them, including those already put in active use while others are still in the warehouse awaiting the assembling team from Abuja.

The National Bureau of Statistics team was led by Simon Harry.