Fiji’s statistics chief calls for a clear separation between data and politics to safeguard credible, unbiased information for development planning. Kemueli Naiqama, the chief executive of the Fiji Bureau of Statistics (FBoS), told audiences at yesterday’s MICS Plus Launch that independent, impartial statistics are crucial for informed decision-making across all sectors of society.
Naiqama stressed that politics should not influence how statistics are produced or used, insisting that data must remain relevant and accessible to everyone. He also thanked UNICEF for its ongoing partnership and reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to delivering credible data free from bias.
This emphasis on independence comes as Fiji continues to expand its data ecosystem. The MICS Plus initiative, supported by UNICEF, is moving toward a longitudinal, phone-based approach with Wave 3 data collection. The latest cycle, which combines insights from earlier waves, involved more than 2,000 participants and covers a broad array of social and economic conditions. Fiji’s move to phone-based surveys is designed to deliver more timely, actionable information to policymakers and program managers, helping close data gaps as the country advances toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The push for robust, independent data also intersects with Fiji’s broader policy work. In parallel to MICS Plus efforts, the Fiji Bureau of Statistics has been advancing a National Population Policy through a steering committee formed in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners. A two-day consultation in Suva brought together government and non-governmental organizations to discuss infrastructure, market access, rural development, youth empowerment, education, health services, employment, and environmental concerns. The aim is to develop a comprehensive policy framework to be presented to Parliament, reflecting a wide range of perspectives and aligned with the nation’s new Development Plan.
These parallel streams—independent data production, regular public engagement, and multi-stakeholder policy development—underline a shared commitment to transparency and inclusive governance. By grounding development strategies in credible, bias-free statistics, Fiji aims to design more effective programs, allocate resources efficiently, and measure progress with real-time insights.
Additional context and value for readers:
– The MICS Plus Wave 3 survey offers a longitudinal view, enabling better tracking of trends in livelihoods, water and electricity access, education, and digital connectivity as Fiji progresses toward SDG targets.
– Earlier MICS findings highlighted urgent child-welfare issues, including high levels of violent discipline and child labor, particularly in rural areas. Reliable, independent data are essential for crafting targeted interventions and monitoring their impact.
– The National Population Policy process demonstrates how inclusive, data-informed policy-making can shape long-term development strategies, with Parliament as the next formal milestone.
Outlook:
With a firm stance on data independence and ongoing partnerships with UNICEF and other development partners, Fiji is positioning itself to use statistics as a trusted foundation for policy, transparency in governance, and meaningful improvements in people’s daily lives. The combination of rigorous data collection, broad stakeholder engagement, and policy planning aimed at equitable development offers a hopeful path toward a more prosperous and well-served Fiji.
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