In a bold move to modernise data collection and improve public access to real-time economic statistics, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has unveiled its first crowd-sourced price data, compiled through an innovative digital dashboard initiative.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja by the Head of Public Relations at the NBS Folorunso Alesanmi. He described the release as a major milestone in the agency’s efforts to empower citizens, policymakers, and researchers with up-to-date pricing information across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
A New Era of Data Collection
Through this crowdsourcing model, the NBS has been able to gather price data daily from a wide range of retail and wholesale sources including:
- Open markets
- Supermarkets
- Street vendors
- Discount stores
- Large retail outlets
The initiative spans all senatorial districts and relies on citizen participation to gather a richer and more diverse dataset reflective of real market conditions.
“This marks a significant shift in how we gather and share economic data,” said Statistician-General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran. “We’re harnessing technology to modernise data collection and make the system more responsive to daily realities.”
Public Access Through a Real-Time Dashboard
The collected data is now available via a dedicated public dashboard, allowing users to view, download, and analyse daily food price trends in real time. The platform offers insights into staple food items like rice, beans, maize, yam, and garri—commodities that dominate household consumption in Nigeria.
“This is about transparency, accessibility, and participation,” said Adeniran. “We invite all Nigerians to contribute by submitting price data and feedback to help build a more responsive statistical system.”
Crowdsourced Data vs. CPI Metrics
Adeniran clarified that the newly released crowd-sourced price data differs from the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures, which are calculated from data gathered at preselected outlets during specific periods each month.
“While CPI data follows a strict methodology and time frame, the crowd-sourced data is collected daily and randomly, offering a more dynamic snapshot of price fluctuations,” he explained.
Quality Control and Verification Measures in Place
To ensure reliability, the NBS has introduced robust quality control systems, including data validation and verification processes, before publishing the figures on the dashboard.
Tool for Economic Empowerment
With daily updates, the price dashboard is expected to serve as a powerful decision-making tool for:
- Entrepreneurs
- Policymakers
- Researchers
- Development partners
The project also aligns with broader government efforts to use technology and citizen engagement to strengthen economic planning and policy formulation.
“This innovation will enhance our ability to track inflation, assess market trends, and develop evidence-based solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges,” Adeniran added.
