In a recent development that has sparked widespread mockery online, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of Nigeria announced plans to include drug peddling in the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) calculations. This decision has led to a wave of humorous suggestions from netizens, who have called for the inclusion of various illegal activities such as armed robbery, banditry, and even ritual killings in the GDP metrics [c711e123].
The head of the NBS, Baba Madu, defended the move by stating that it aligns with global best practices for economic measurement. Statistician-General Adeyemi Adeniran emphasized the importance of rebasing GDP and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to reflect the current economic realities of Nigeria [c711e123].
However, the public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative, with many users on social media ridiculing the idea. Some have referenced President Bola Tinubu's past allegations of drug trafficking, further fueling the mockery directed at the NBS's decisions [c711e123].
This incident highlights a growing discontent among Nigerians regarding the accuracy and integrity of economic indicators, particularly in a country grappling with significant challenges such as insecurity and corruption. As the NBS continues to navigate these complexities, the conversation around what constitutes legitimate economic activity in Nigeria remains contentious [c711e123].