The Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga late Thursday night warned Nigerians against downplaying the Q3 2024 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) recently released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The statistic hub earlier said Nigeria’s GDP growth rate in real terms grew by 3.46 per cent in the third quarter of 2024 on a year-on-year basis.
Onanuga said allegations by critics that the data was manipulated failed to recognise the transparent and robust methodologies employed by the NBS were Unfounded.
He explained that the methodologies employed are continually reviewed and improved to ensure reliability, providing a solid foundation for the data presented.
“Recent reports from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have become a focal point of criticism and scepticism, especially by the political opposition and perpetual doubters of any positive report about our country.
“In contrast, when the NBS reported that inflation figures rose, these same voices quickly endorsed the report, illustrating some Nigerians’ selective acceptance of data based on preconceived narratives and confirmation bias rather than its authenticity.
“It is crucial to emphasise that the NBS operates as an independent entity committed to providing accurate and objective data,” Onanuga said.
He added, “The positive economic indicators should be viewed as milestones in the ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to strengthen Nigeria’s economy.
“The figures by NBS reflect that a combination of government initiatives is yielding fruits, boosting the service sector and the stock and bond market, creating jobs, and driving sustainable growth.
“These developments, sooner than later, will translate into improved living standards, increased job opportunities, and a more robust economy for all Nigerians.”
While challenges remain, he said that dismissing progress in a knee-jerk manner, as some Nigerians do, negates the hard work of the government and the private sector, which contributed to these achievements.
“While the challenges remain and are being addressed, we must always recognise and celebrate every progress” Onanugu appealed to Nigerians.
GDP Growth Must Be Celebrated, Not Criticized, Onanuga Tells Nigerians is first published on The Whistler Newspaper