TheCable

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), with support from the World Bank, says it has concluded plans to conduct a national business sample census.

This was announced in a statement shared by Yemi Kale (pictured), the statistician-general of the federation, on Twitter.

He said the exercise will be conducted across the 36 states between October 12 and December 12, 2020.

According to Kale, the last survey was conducted between 1998 and 1999; 22 years ago despite recommendations that the exercise be carried out every 10 years.

He explained that the census has four objectives which includes providing a comprehensive and detailed information about the structure of the Nigerian economy.

“The National Bureau of Statistics has commenced the process of implementing the 2020 National Business Sample Census (NBSC) in Nigeria,” the statement read.

“The survey which is coming after a similar one conducted twenty-two years (1997/98) ago is apt, especially now that the current govemment is re-structuring the economy for faster growth through support to small, medium and large scale enterprises in order to increase their productivity.

“The main objectives of NBSC include among others the following: To compile frame, develop instruments and concepts, establish standards and methodology for industrial and business surveys in Nigeria

“To serve as benchmark for updates of subsequent commercial and industrial sector Statistics.

“To develop a national directory of commercial and industrial business establishments with all their associated social and economic characteristics.

“To provide the country with comprehensive and detailed information about the structure of the Nigerian economy.”

After 22 years (recommended every 10 years), the NBS with support from the World Bank will begin the National Business Sample Census on October 12 2020 and ends December 12 2020. pic.twitter.com/Y1XBIIf4h5

— Dr Yemi Kale (@sgyemikale) September 28, 2020

The statistician-general of the federation said certain conditions must be met by businesses before their establishments are considered.

He listed the requirements to include “fixed structure and location, a separate shop with a different entrance and enclosed from dwelling place (in the case of residential areas), shops should have locks and keys for a market setting, while kiosks and shops under umbrella are not to be listed during the census”.

Kale called for the cooperation of Nigeria business owners as the agency deploys its personnel for the exercise.

He said NBS officials will visit businesses between October 12 and December 12, 2020, to collect the necessary information.