The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), on Thursday launched the seventh round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 7).
The survey is designed to produce high-quality data to inform policy decisions on the rights and welfare of children and women.
MICS is a government-led, NBS-coordinated flagship household survey that is internationally recognized and overseen by UNICEF since its inception in 1995.
Speaking at the launch in Ibadan, Mr. Adeniran Adeyemi, Statistician-General of the Federation and CEO of NBS, emphasized that MICS 7 would adhere to international statistical standards while being tailored to Nigeria’s policy needs. Represented by the NBS Director of Procurement, Mr. Audu Olokpo, Adeyemi highlighted that the survey will provide data for nearly half of the 80 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicators measurable through household surveys, making it a vital tool for tracking SDG progress.
He noted that MICS 7 would also support monitoring of human capital development and track progress in both national and sub-national development plans, including President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“MICS is unique because it focuses on children and provides high-quality, nationally representative data that enables the government and development partners to understand disparities, track the most vulnerable, and implement targeted interventions,” Adeyemi said.
He added that MICS 7 would assess the situation of children, women, adolescents, and households, provide disaggregated data to highlight disparities and promote social inclusion, and evaluate the impact of interventions to guide future policy decisions.
Adeyemi also commended UNICEF for its technical and financial support, saying the survey goes beyond statistics to influence policy decisions on education, immunization, maternal and child health, and resource allocation to the communities that need it most.
“MICS 7 is not just a statistical exercise; it is a developmental necessity. Accurate data today lays the foundation for tomorrow’s policies and sustainable, inclusive development in Nigeria,” he added.
Muhammad Okorie, Social Policy and Programme Manager at UNICEF’s Lagos Field Office, said the survey provides evidence to measure the fulfillment of child rights and supports government and stakeholders in planning and implementing programs. He noted that MICS can track up to 40 indicators related to children, women, and households.
“Accurate data from MICS 7 will enable us to assess progress, plan ahead, organize policy dialogues, and design targeted programs,” Okorie said.
Dr. Isiaka Olarewaju, NBS National Consultant for MICS 7, highlighted that this round includes a new learning foundation component to capture school-related data and features additional indicators compared to previous rounds. He urged households to cooperate with data collectors, stressing that the survey is a partnership aimed at advancing the development of children, women, and men.
