Government needs to put resources into harnessing quality statistics

The government cannot plan for it’s people without relying on factual and quality statistics.

The quality of statistics in South Sudan today appears outdated with the realities of today. No wonder, some officials today continue referring to the population statistics based on the 2008 population census.

During celebration of the World Population Day, Ademola Olajide, the Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Thursday reminded the government to invest enough resources in the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Quality statistical data is critical in guiding the government and development partners to plan well and implement policies that affect households.

Sustainable development cannot be realized in the absence of planning and planning comes only when statistical data is available.

The population boom across the world and in particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa invites government to invest in quality and reliable data.

Sub-Saharan Africa is home to the youngest population the world, and South Sudan is no exceptional with the latest population survey putting it’s youthful population at about 70 percent.

Therefore, investing in statistical data generation is the only avenue to plan better for the future.