By ebosele@hotmail.com –
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) to strengthen agricultural data systems and enhance evidence-based planning, monitoring and decision-making across Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The partnership provides a framework for collaboration on agricultural data validation, exchange and harmonisation, while leveraging the NBS’s expertise in official statistics to improve the quality, credibility and utilisation of data generated through NADF programmes.
Under the agreement, both institutions will work together to develop standardised methodologies for impact assessment, strengthen monitoring and evaluation systems, and promote results-based management to improve the effectiveness of agricultural interventions.
The collaboration will also involve joint agricultural surveys, integration of administrative data, and enhanced measurement of programme performance and social impact.
According to the two organisations, the initiative is expected to provide policymakers, investors and development partners with reliable statistical evidence to support informed policy formulation, effective programme design and sound investment decisions in the agricultural sector.
The partnership is also aimed at improving the availability of credible agricultural data to support sustainable food production, rural development and national economic growth.
Speaking on the significance of the agreement, the National Bureau of Statistics reaffirmed its commitment to building strategic partnerships that strengthen Nigeria’s National Statistical System.
The Bureau noted that quality, timely and reliable data remain critical to driving sustainable agricultural development, improving public policy outcomes and supporting the country’s broader economic transformation agenda.
The MoU is expected to deepen collaboration between the two institutions and reinforce the role of data as a key driver of transparency, accountability and evidence-based decision-making in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
