Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s Monitoring & Evaluation(M&E) systems, UNICEF in collaboration with the Center for learning on Evaluation and Results (CLEAR-AA) is poised to enhance Nigeria’s M&E framework to aligned with the National Development Plan and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The collaboration is part of the National Evaluation Capacity Development (NECD) initiative. This was contained in a statement signed by Modupe Olatunji for: Director, Information and Public Relations.
Speaking during a high-level engagement with stakeholders and development partners recently in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi described the NECD Initiative as a “homegrown monitoring and evaluation effort” that reflects the country’s growing capacity to develop evidence-based governance systems.
“This initiative is a very good one. It’s homegrown and very encouraging. It reflects our renewed drive to optimize Nigeria’s monitoring and evaluation processes,” Dr. Obi stated. “Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this government is committed to mainstream monitoring and evaluation across policy and program delivery.”
He added that the Federal Government was currently relaunching its Revised National Monitoring and Evaluation System, a strategic move that aims to ensure decision-making is backed by credible data. The Permanent Secretary also emphasized the importance of collaboration and extended his appreciation to all stakeholders, particularly UNICEF, for their consistent support.
“We are especially grateful to UNICEF and our international partners for their continued dedication to building the capacity of Nigeria’s monitoring and evaluation systems”.
Speaking on behalf of CLEAR-AA (Center for Learning on Evaluation and Results – Anglophone Africa) Mr. Taku Chiran, highlighted Nigeria’s leadership role in the region and the importance of global collaboration.
“Peer learning is critical,” said the CLEAR-AA Head of Mission. “We aim to connect Nigeria’s growing NM&E systems with leading global institutions. We are also exploring study visits to successful countries to give Nigerian leaders firsthand insights into best practices around the world through the Peer Learning and International Collaboration.”
In her remarks, the Director of National Monitoring and Evaluation Department, in the Ministry, Mrs. Olasumbo Ayinde-Yakub praised the joint efforts to strengthen systems at both the national and sub-national levels. She emphasized that “NM&E is crucial for improving policy making and service delivery”.
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