The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) on Monday continued its nationwide data-gathering activities with fieldwork in Rigasa and Tudun Wada communities of Igabi and Kaduna South Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.
The national survey, implemented by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in collaboration with UNICEF and other development partners, aims to produce accurate, evidence-based data to guide government planning—especially in health, education, and household welfare.
Husseni Habu, UNICEF Kaduna’s Programme Monitoring Specialist, commended the smooth conduct of the exercise in the state, noting the high level of cooperation from residents.
“What we have seen so far is very good. I am impressed, and I believe that at the end of the day, we will have, if not 100 per cent, something close to full cooperation,” he said.
Habu emphasised that the data would help government identify priority needs and allocate limited resources more effectively.
“The data will guide the government to direct resources to where the real issues are,” he noted.
Also speaking, NBS State Officer, Mr. Johnathan Bako—represented by Mr. Raymond Yohana—said the indicators generated from MICS would support government and donor agencies in designing interventions targeting maternal and child health.
He explained that the survey required robust mobilisation from local governments down to communities, which contributed to the encouraging turnout despite occasional resistance.
Bako highlighted the financial magnitude of conducting the survey, stressing that without donor support, the cost would run into billions of naira due to large personnel needs, multiple training stages, logistics and deployment.
According to him, Kaduna State’s component covers 50 enumeration areas, with 20 respondents targeted per area—amounting to about 1,000 respondents. Field activities are expected to run until March.
Residents of Danmadami in Rigasa, including Ali Hudu and Aisha Aliyu, expressed appreciation for the survey, saying the visit by the teams showed that government was becoming more responsive to citizens’ welfare.
They urged their neighbours to provide accurate information, stressing that reliable data helps government plan better and implement effective interventions.
MICS is conducted every four years and generates key indicators on living conditions, maternal and child health, education, immunisation, and illnesses affecting children under five.