The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated a comprehensive project to compile Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data for all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), marking a significant step toward improving economic planning and decentralization.
The initiative, led by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in collaboration with state governments and international partners, aims to provide accurate and disaggregated economic data to guide policy decisions at both federal and state levels. Historically, Nigeria’s GDP data has been reported at the national level, with limited granularity on state-specific contributions, hindering targeted development efforts.
The project involves collecting data on key economic sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, services, and trade, to assess each state’s economic output and growth potential. The NBS has deployed teams to work with state statistical agencies, ensuring standardized methodologies and robust data validation processes. The initiative is expected to reveal disparities in economic performance across states, highlighting regions that require targeted interventions to address poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits. For instance, states like Lagos, Rivers, and Kano are anticipated to show higher GDP contributions due to their commercial and industrial activities, while others may require federal support to unlock their potential.
The compilation of state-level GDP data is also aimed at supporting Nigeria’s fiscal federalism, enabling states to attract investments and plan budgets more effectively. President Tinubu has emphasized the importance of the project in achieving his administration’s goal of inclusive growth, particularly in rural areas.
The initiative has received technical support from international organizations like the World Bank and the United Nations, which have provided training and funding to enhance Nigeria’s statistical capacity. The first set of state GDP reports is expected to be released by mid-2026, with preliminary findings likely to influence budgetary allocations and policy priorities in the 2027 fiscal year. The project is seen as a critical tool for fostering economic diversification and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on oil revenue.