The Fiji Bureau of Statistics is set to receive a significant funding boost to bolster its staffing and data-collection capabilities as the nation faces growing demand for official statistics ahead of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals deadline.
CEO Kemueli Naiqama stressed that the extra support from the government is essential to meet intensifying needs from ministries, the private sector, and international partners, as Fiji works to strengthen its data infrastructure and keep pace with the SDG agenda. “The government has been very supportive, increasing our budget and staff numbers to meet the growing demand from ministries, the private sector, and international agencies,” Naiqama said.
The push for more robust and timely statistics comes as Fiji places a higher premium on tracking progress toward the SDGs. Naiqama underscored the importance of accurate, up-to-date data for monitoring national performance and said the bureau will continue modernizing its operations. A key part of this modernization is the goal to transform the bureau into an independent, autonomous entity capable of serving Fiji’s evolving data needs without undue influence.
This development aligns with broader efforts to elevate data independence and credibility in Fiji’s policy landscape. It mirrors ongoing work with United Nations agencies and development partners to strengthen data governance and improve how information informs decision-making. In recent years, Fiji has advanced initiatives such as the MICS Plus program, a UNICEF-supported, longitudinal, phone-based survey that aggregates insights across waves to deliver timelier, actionable data for policymakers and program managers as the country advances toward 2030.
The government’s commitment to independence and continued collaboration with international partners also complements work on national policy frameworks that rely on solid data. For example, Fiji has pursued inclusive, data-informed policy development through steering groups and partnerships with UNICEF to shape policies like a National Population Policy, ensuring that statistics reflect diverse socio-economic realities and support Parliament and development planning.
Looking ahead, officials say the enhanced statistics capability will help policymakers, development partners, and communities monitor progress more effectively, allocate resources where they are most needed, and respond quickly to emerging challenges. The overall message is one of cautious optimism: with stronger data, Fiji can pursue targeted improvements in health, education, infrastructure, and social services, driving more equitable development as the SDGs come into clearer focus.
Additional value for readers:
– The shift toward independent, bias-free statistics supports more credible policymaking and enhances public trust in official data.
– Longitudinal, phone-based data collection frameworks like MICS Plus offer real-time insights that can improve program targeting and impact evaluation.
– Strengthened data governance helps align resources with national development priorities and enables better collaboration with international partners.
Summary: Fiji is strengthening its statistical foundation with a larger budget and staffing to meet rising demand and to push the bureau toward autonomy, reinforced by ongoing partnerships with UN agencies and a move toward timely, independent data collection that will support SDG progress.
Positive note: If properly implemented, this data-focused expansion could yield quicker, more precise public investments and policy decisions that improve everyday life for Fijians, while preserving the integrity and independence of national statistics.
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