The Business NG - January 13, 2025

In this issue

Editorial Focus: NBS Set to Rebase Nigeria’s GDP to Reflect Emerging Economic Realities

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has announced plans to rebase Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025, updating the base year from 2010 to 2019. This move aims to provide a more accurate and contemporary representation of the country’s economic landscape, especially in the aftermath of significant disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The choice of 2019 as the new reference year is informed by its relative stability before the pandemic-induced global economic upheavals. By incorporating data from newer and more dynamic sectors such as digital services, financial technology (fintech), modular refineries, and other emerging industries, the rebasing is expected to reveal a substantial increase in the GDP figures.

While the expected rise in GDP values may present a more vibrant economic outlook, experts caution against equating this with real economic growth or improved living standards. Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent fiscal challenges, including high debt servicing costs, dwindling revenues, inflation, and unemployment. These structural issues underline the importance of ensuring that economic growth, as reflected in the GDP, translates to tangible benefits for citizens.

As Nigeria moves closer to this rebasing exercise, policymakers must focus on leveraging the data to inform strategic planning. The insights from this exercise should serve as a tool for addressing structural weaknesses, boosting productivity, and fostering inclusive growth across sectors.

The editorial underscores the importance of framing GDP rebasing as more than a statistical exercise. It is an opportunity for Nigeria to reassess its economic priorities, build resilience, and create a pathway to sustainable development.