KATSINA — In a landmark move to deepen Nigeria’s economic data landscape, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has announced a nationwide initiative to compile state-level Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) within the next two months.

The announcement was made by Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation and CEO of NBS, during his keynote address at the first bi-annual meeting of the National Consultative Committee of Statistics, held Wednesday in Katsina State.

“There is currently no official state-level GDP data,” Adeniran said. “As the coordinator of the national statistical system, NBS is taking the lead in filling this gap.”

Boosting Sub-National Development with Data

Themed “Promoting Development at the Sub-national Level Through Improved State GDP Compilation,” the session focused on how granular economic data can enhance planning, investment decisions, and resource allocation across Nigeria’s diverse regions.

Adeniran noted that one of the most frequent data requests from both public and private stakeholders is for State GDP figures, which are crucial for understanding local economic size and potential.

“It is only fitting that NBS coordinate with states to produce these numbers. This is vital for developmental planning and attracting investment,” he stated.

The initiative will draw upon data from the recent national GDP rebasing exercise, supplemented by state-level establishment surveys and administrative records.

Full State Ownership and Statistical Integration

To ensure the data is both accurate and impactful, Adeniran underscored the necessity for state governments to take ownership of the exercise.

“Without state authorities’ active involvement and commitment, the data risks being underutilised,” he said.

“That’s why we’ve mandated the full participation of State Statistics Bureaus throughout the entire process.”

The exercise is designed not only to produce figures but also to strengthen Nigeria’s decentralized statistical system, enabling informed decision-making across tiers of government.

Katsina Sets Example with Policy Focus on Tourism

In his remarks, Katsina State Deputy Governor Mallam Faruk Lawal Jobe, representing Governor Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, welcomed the initiative and showcased Katsina’s proactive approach to economic diversification.

“Katsina State’s rich cultural heritage presents a unique opportunity to drive growth through hospitality and tourism,” he said.

He cited recent visits by foreign ambassadors and international investors during the Eid-El Fitr celebrations as evidence of growing interest in the state’s economic prospects.

“These visits weren’t just ceremonial. They served as platforms for incubating business ideas and forging development partnerships.”

The deputy governor called for inclusive, pro-poor economic strategies that reflect the dynamic realities of local economies and emphasised that accurate state-level data would be critical in shaping such strategies.

National Impact and Future Outlook

With the GDP compilation project underway, Nigeria is poised to enter a new era of data-driven sub-national governance. By quantifying the economic contributions of each state, policymakers and investors will be better positioned to:

• Assess growth drivers
• Allocate resources efficiently
• Prioritise sectoral investments
• Benchmark regional performance

Adeniran closed his address by thanking the Katsina State government for supporting statistical development and reaffirmed the NBS’s commitment to delivering robust and actionable data for national progress.

“This is not just about numbers — it’s about empowering every state to chart its economic future with clarity and confidence,” he concluded.