The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), on Thursday inaugurated Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS-7) for the North-West zone to generate reliable data on children and women of childbearing age.

While speaking at the launch, the Statistician-General of Kaduna State, Dr Baba Bukar-Alhaji, said that the MICS-7 was being conducted simultaneously across all states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory 

Mr Bukar-Alhaji, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Kaduna State Bureau of Statistics, said the exercise was critical to evidence-based policymaking in Nigeria.

He explained that over the past month, field officers drawn from various sectors underwent extensive training to prepare for the survey, scheduled to begin on February 3 and run until March 2026.

He described data as “the new oil,” emphasising that the MICS-7 would help government and development partners properly channel resources to address issues affecting women and children, including malnutrition and maternal health.

“At the end of the day, the aim is to improve the lives of the people. Policymakers, researchers and partners rely heavily on this information to design and implement programmes,” he said.

Similarly, Deputy Director at Kaduna State Bureau of Statistics, and a key participant, Fatimah Ibrahim, said, MICS-7 was extensive, covering maternal, newborn, child health, education, and other indicators.

She appealed to media professionals to raise community awareness, suggesting jingles or announcements in order to maximise response and community acceptance .

Another participant, Antonia Moses, explained that the survey aimed to gather information on the well-being of mothers, children especially those under five and households, to assess how they were coping.

She stated that the survey was extensive, with different questionnaires designed for various sex and age groups, reflecting its comprehensive nature.

“The data collected will provide a detailed picture of living conditions and inform planning, policy formulation, and interventions to improve health and social outcomes nationwide,” she said.

The survey is supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). 

(NAN)