Prince Adeyemi Adeniran

Earlier today, I attended the National Technical Workshop on the One Humanitarian–One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS), convened by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the Honourable Minister of State, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, as well as representatives of UN agencies and international non-governmental organisations.

The OHOPRS represents a strategic and unified national framework for addressing poverty in Nigeria, aligning systems, actors, and interventions toward a common goal of sustainable poverty reduction.

In my remarks, I reaffirmed the commitment of the National Bureau of Statistics and the wider Nigerian Statistical System to support this initiative through the provision of credible, timely, and high-quality data, recognising that data remains the foundation and backbone of effective policy design and implementation.

I also commended the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction for this laudable initiative. A coordinated, data-driven approach that harmonises efforts across institutions is essential to achieving meaningful and lasting progress in the fight against poverty.

Today, our advocacy engagements for MICS 7 continued in Cross River State, where I paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency, the Executive Governor, represented by the Vice Chairman/CEO of the Cross River State Planning Commission, Dr. B**g Duke. He was joined by the Commissioners for Health, Women Affairs, Social Welfare and community development, DG of the Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Permanent Secretaries from other ministries and members of the academic community.

During the meeting, I emphasised the importance of Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) data in informing evidence-based planning and development. I also encouraged the state government to take ownership of the survey outcomes and actively utilise the data once released to support effective policy decisions.

A key highlight of my visit to Cross River State was also a stop at the NBS State Office and the South-South Zonal Office, where I interacted with staff and assessed their welfare and working conditions as part of our continued efforts to strengthen institutional capacity across our field offices.

Today, I visited our hardworking enumerators currently conducting the 7th round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 7) in the field.

It was truly inspiring to witness their dedication and professionalism firsthand as they engage with communities and collect data that will help shape policies affecting children, women, and families across Nigeria.

At the National Bureau of Statistics, our commitment to producing credible, high-quality data remains unwavering. This commitment goes hand in hand with our responsibility to safeguard the wellbeing, safety, and motivation of our field staff, whose efforts form the backbone of our national statistical system.

I extend my sincere appreciation to the households and respondents who have opened their doors and given their time to support this important national exercise. Your cooperation is essential to the production of reliable and trustworthy statistics for Nigeria.

I also commend our enumerators for their resilience and service. Your work matters, and your contribution is vital to building a stronger, evidence-driven Nigeria.

On behalf of the Management and staff of the National Bureau of Statistics, I would like to wish you a Happy New Year.

As we step into the year ahead, we remain committed to strengthening trust in official statistics and supporting informed decision-making for national development.