Wednesday, 10th December; 2025 – The Nigerian House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards modernizing the country’s data and statistical framework which passed third reading a bill aimed at repealing the existing Statistics Act, No. 9, 2007.
The proposed legislation, titled ” (HB.2491),” seeks to enhance the responsiveness, relevance, and effectiveness of the National Statistical System (NSS), particularly in the digital era. The bill’s central objectives are to promote global competitiveness in statistical development at all levels of government and establish an improved, sustainable funding mechanism for the system.
Key Highlights and Objectives of the Statistics Bill, 2025 (HB.2491):
Modernization for the Digital Era: The bill is designed to update the legal framework to accommodate new forms of data, including those generated from digital sources, and address modern challenges like data privacy and protection.
Enhanced National Statistical System (NSS): It aims to strengthen and optimize the entire NSS—the network of government bodies responsible for producing official statistics—to ensure high-quality, timely, and accessible data.
Strengthening the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS): The new law is expected to redefine the powers, functions, and institutional independence of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the country’s chief agency for official statistics. This could grant the NBS greater autonomy and a clearer mandate, along with enhanced resources.
Improved Funding Mechanism: A crucial component of the bill is the establishment of a robust and improved funding system to ensure statistical development is well-resourced and sustainable across Federal, State, and Local Government levels.
Global Competitiveness: By aligning Nigeria’s statistical framework with international best practices, the bill seeks to boost the nation’s global standing in statistical development.
The Bill, co-sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen (Zaria Federal Constituency), and Hon. Adegboyega Nasiru Isiaka (Chairman of the House Committee on National Planning and Economic Development, Egbado North/Imeko Afon Federal Constituency), has successfully passed its Third Reading in the House of Representatives.
The introduction of the Statistics Bill, 2025 underscores the commitment of the legislative arm of government to data-driven decision-making, which is vital for effective economic planning, evidence-based policy formulation, and overall national development.
