The National Bureau of Statistics has approached the National Youth Service Corps to secure the involvement of corps members in data collection across all local government areas in the country, with the aim of improving the accuracy and reach of national statistics.

Statistician General of the Federation and NBS Chief Executive Officer, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, made the request during a visit to the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja, stating that the presence of corps members in every local government area would assist the bureau in obtaining accurate data on all residents.

Adeniran argued that national development depends on comprehensive data collection, adding that government agencies, research institutions, universities and development partners all rely on accurate statistics for planning and implementation. He stated, "Without data, we cannot plan properly. Without data, we cannot formulate effective policy, and we also coordinate the entire Nigerian data ecosystem."

The Statistician General called for an inclusive data charter with the NYSC that would involve training corps members in statistical analysis to support the bureau's data collection and dissemination objectives. He commended the scheme's deployment policy and its contributions to national unity, youth empowerment and integration.

NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu welcomed the initiative, describing statistical data as the bedrock of investment, entrepreneurship and national planning. He expressed the scheme's readiness to collaborate with the NBS through its Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, which equips corps members with skills for self reliance during their service year.

Nafiu remarked, "NBS is a channel of advocacy for NYSC and collaborating together, we will be able to fly our flag better," adding that data remains central to the equitable distribution of resources and investment decisions.

The NYSC Director General also acknowledged the NBS for creating service opportunities for 215 corps members within the agency.