Many SDG indicators in Africa are still difficult to track due to insufficient data. Even though new data sources offer timely and granular ways to address these gaps, translating promising initiatives into sustainable statistical production remains difficult. This paper argues that for African National Statistical Offices and the sub-national statistical bodies emerging across Nigeria’s federal system, the principal challenge is as much institutional as technical. Statistical systems need a governance architecture, a readiness framework and a quality assurance pathway, with readiness spanning technology and security, data protection, legal mandate and skills. Without these, they would struggle to integrate new data sources in a sustainable and statistically sound manner. Drawing on the experience of the Benue State Bureau of Statistics, the paper examines two linked initiatives: a geospatial community mapping programme and a youth-led citizen data pilot. Together, these cases suggest that sustainable use depends not only on technical tools but also on clear mandates, quality assurance and coordinated governance. The paper then presents a State Bureau of Statistics Maturity Model as an instrument for assessing and strengthening that readiness. From this, it develops a readiness-first framework, transferable and contextually adaptable to national and decentralised statistical systems across Africa. It sets out policy applications for sequencing investment, designing partnerships, and strengthening statistical capacity to monitor the 2030 Agenda and Africa’s broader development priorities, while adhering to the UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics.
