In a bid to proffer solutions to the insecurity in the country, the National Statistical Association (NSA) through its annual conference brought together experts in statistics from across the country.
The 3-day conference with the theme: “Security challenges in Nigeria and associated consequences: a Statistical overview. ” was organized by the NSA in collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
At the event held in Keffi, Nasarawa state, the Statistician General and Chief Executive of the National Bureau of Statistics, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran said the world was grappling with insecurity and Nigeria was not exempted.
He said the situation had adversely affected every aspect of the global economy including education, agriculture, trade among others.
”Global economic losses due to terrorism and insecurity reached $52b in 2017, and $119b in Africa, between 2007-2016”.
He said quoting data from UNDP.
In a paper presentation titled, “Consequences of Security challenges on the National Statistical System in Nigeria”, the SG said insecurity had made it necessary to reinvent the way data is collected to protect its credibility.
Solutions to insecurity
The NBS boss explained that the deployment of technology in data collection would produce effective and reliable information as well as mitigate the effect of insecurity on remote data collection.,
Prince Adeyemi announced that the Bureau would next year, introduce a new Security and Crime Survey that would provide government with important information and evidence to tackle the challenge.
In another paper presentation, a Professor in the Department of Statistics, University of Ilorin, Peter Osanaiyo called for the strengthening of existing methods of Intelligence gathering and the creation of a Central Database Center as ways of arresting the menace.
Allaying fears over the conduct of next year’s census, the Chairman, National Population Commission, Mr Isa Kwarra represented by the Director General , Mr Osifo Ojogun gave assurance that it would be successful.
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