The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has countered the claim made by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, saying that the NBS methodology doesn’t conform with the global standard, especially the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

The NBC, on Friday took its twitter handle, @nigerianstat, maintained that the Bureau’s methodology for measuring the rate of unemployment in the country conforms with global standards.

Ngige, on Wednesday, while receiving the leadership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management in his office had said, “We have a virtual meeting of the National Economic Advisory Council with the World Bank to look at Nigeria’s modalities for employment statistics data collection.

“There has been a little confusion there as to the accuracy of data generated by the NBS. So, we want to align everything tomorrow. The World Bank says the NBS methodology doesn’t conform with the global standard, especially the ILO (International Labour Organisation) format of arriving at such Employment Index.”

However, the NBS reacted to the statement by Ngige.

“The World Bank has denied making any such statement and rather together with the economic advisory committee affirmed its confidence, commendation, support and close working relationship with NBS. The World Bank can be contacted if in doubt,” the Bureau tweeted.

Recall that the NBS had earlier reported that over 23 million Nigerians are jobless as unemployment rate hits 33.3%.