By Tony Obiechina Abuja
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has announced the commencement of the seventh round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS7), a vital nationwide data collection initiative focused on the well-being of women, children, and vulnerable populations in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement by Mr. Alesanmi Folorunso NBS Head of Communication and Public Relations Department on Wednesday.
According to the statement, MICS is a globally recognized survey program developed by UNICEF to provide statistically sound and internationally comparable data.
In Nigeria, it has been implemented since 1995 and continues to play a key role in informing policy decisions on health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, child protection, and other social indicators.
MICS7 is aligned with Nigeria’s national development priorities, including the Renewed Hope Agenda, and continental goals such as the African Union Agenda 2063.
It will also provide critical data for monitoring progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In view of this, data collection for MICS7 will begin on December 3, 2025, and will be carried out in selected households across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to NBS, trained interviewers from the NBS will use digital data collection tools to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and reliability.
Speaking on the importance of the survey, the Statistician General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, noted: “Since 1995, MICS has been Nigeria’s trusted tool for understanding the lives of women and children. It transforms complex realities into hard numbers that drive evidence-based policymaking and national progress.”
As the most comprehensive household survey focused on women and children in Nigeria, he said MICS7 will help bridge critical data gaps and support targeted interventions that improve lives.
“The NBS hereby calls on all selected households to cooperate fully with field officers and provide accurate information during the data collection process. The success of this exercise depends on public participation and trust”, the statement added.
