Abstract
The design and implementation of National Strategies for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) in developing countries is critical in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Development planning in Nigeria which began in the 1960s after independence experienced difficulties due to lack of accurate and reliable data. Nevertheless, Nigeria being the most populous country in Africa has been seriously involved in most novel initiatives for building statistical capacity in Africa. This paper critically assesses the Nigerian Statistical System (NSS) and explores factors militating against the implementation of newly initiated NSDS, which is crucial to achieve the MDGs and other development agenda of government. Finally, the paper recommends development of statistics at the grassroots level as a panacea for strengthening the NSS.