Nigerian politics 90% dependent on international statistics – Prof. Tunji Olaopa

Prof. Tunji Olaopa, Chairman of the Federal Public Service Commission, has revealed that 90% of applied statistics used to formulate Nigerian policies are provided by international organizations such as the World Bank, the United Nations and other bilateral agencies.

He was speaking at the official opening of the Centre for Public Sector Governance (CPSG) in Abuja which aims to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in the management of public resources with a focus on strengthening governance practices in Nigeria.

Prof. Olaopa believes that this over-reliance on foreign data has weakened Nigeria’s ability to address its unique development challenges. He stressed that while these statistics are often used to formulate national policies, they often fail to reflect Nigeria’s specific socio-economic conditions and priorities.

“I spent time analysing useful applied statistics for policy and found that 90% of them were produced by the World Bank Bank, the United Nations and bilateral agencies.

When you deconstruct the basics, you realise that they do not communicate development in Nigeria, but rather how it relates to greater interdependencies in a global context. This is very worrying. It tells me that we still do not understand what development is all about,” Professor Olaopa explained.

He further explained that data used in policymaking often leads to decisions that prioritise internationally relevant issues rather than addressing local challenges.

Call for localised data solutions

Professor Olaopa stressed the importance of generating local data tailored to Nigeria’s needs. He noted that China has yet to fully realise the importance of data as an engine of development. This is evident in the lack of attention paid to statistics that reflect the country’s specific challenges.

“It’s a shame that you can’t find the right data on Google,” he explained.

He cited the lack of attention paid to key areas such as property rights, judicial reform, data analytics and research and development (R&D) as examples of policy gaps resulting from inadequate or inappropriate use of data.

“Nigerian leaders are more interested in how many roads are built. They are more interested in structures and contracts, but no one cares about property rights, no one cares about judicial reform, no one cares about statistics, R&D, public services, judicial reform, which are the real drivers of sustainable development of any economy,” he said.

Professor Olaopa made a strong case for prioritizing the development of local data solutions. He called for the establishment of data systems that accurately capture the nuances of Nigeria’s economy and society.

Further insights

• Professor Olaopa also highlighted the gap between Nigerian professionals working in the country and those in other parts of the world, particularly in countries like the United States and Germany.
• He noted that Nigerian professionals perform significantly better abroad than at home, which he attributed to the better governance and infrastructure they find in those countries.

“Why are Nigerian skilled workers in the United States or Germany five times more successful than skilled workers in Nigeria? It’s because they work in an ecosystem that promotes development. They are supported by strong government structures and an environment that encourages innovation,” he explained.

• Professor Olaopa stressed the importance of transformational leadership that can navigate a rapidly changing political and economic landscape as Nigeria continues to face numerous development challenges.
• He called on leaders to have not only traditional governance experience but also modern skills required to meet the challenges of the post-Covid-19 era, including the complexities of the digital age and the pressures of globalization.
• He stressed that Nigerian leaders must develop both technical and emotional intelligence to lead effectively.

“Leadership today requires not only technical skills but also emotional intelligence, creativity and the ability to anticipate and respond to crises in real time,” he added.

Professor Ola-Opa urged policymakers and officials to practice strategic foresight, invest in developing the skills required for the 21st century economy, and focus on the country’s most pressing needs.