By Khalid Idris Doya The Nigeria Association of Evaluators recently held a stakeholders engagement on the need for a revision of Nigeria’s...
By Khalid Idris Doya
The Nigeria Association of Evaluators recently held a stakeholders engagement on the need for a revision of Nigeria’s National Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Policy to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration. In this interview with journalists in Bauchi, the National President of the Association, Dr. Umar Ibrahim shed more light on how the engagement tilted towards the need for a more robust monitoring and evaluation framework that could curb inefficiencies, eliminate duplication, and maximize the impact of development initiatives.
Sir, how was your meeting fared towards it's objectives
Well, as you might have been aware, the National Monitoring and Evaluation Policy was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in August 2022, and a national dialogue followed in 2023, the process therefore calls for existing policy refinement and alignment with the view to ensure effective implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of the government.
What could be the considerations, challenges, and or opportunities in revising the M&E policy?
Well, it is the general views of the association members that revising the M&E policy would lead to enhancement in accountability, transparency, and development outcomes in Nigeria. The engagement extensively discussed on the association's efforts to ensure the revision of the National Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Policy, aligning it with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration. As the umbrella body for evaluation professionals in Nigeria, our association is committed to strengthening evidence-based decision-making and fostering a strong M&E culture. A well-structured M&E framework is crucial for effective governance, accountability, and sustainable development. Our role today is to contribute technical expertise, ensure inclusivity, and support the development of a policy that is efficient, effective, and responsive to national priorities.
Sir, Is there any challenge that may hinder the revision process?
Yes, a major challenge is access to key stakeholders in some ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). Without an insider, securing an appointment to discuss critical national issues can be nearly impossible. Some institutions are resistant to external input, even from sister government agencies with similar mandates. There's a culture of skepticism toward outside expertise, making it difficult to offer technical assistance, capacity building, or advocacy. Despite these hurdles, we're not giving up. We're exploring alternative strategies like building relationships with key influencers, leveraging technology, and collaborating with like-minded organizations to make an impact.
In such a scenario, how do you think the policy revision can be fruitful?
So far, despite the challenges, the revision process holds promise. First, the government's initiative to revise the M&E policy signals a willingness to improve its implementation, creating room for meaningful engagement. Secondly, the gathering unites government agencies, development partners, civil society, and evaluators, ensuring diverse perspectives and a shared sense of ownership. Thirdly, this process allows us to address bureaucratic barriers and find practical solutions for better stakeholder collaboration, and lastly, the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes evidence-based decision-making, reinforcing the need for a strong M&E system. With this alignment, we're optimistic about a more effective and impactful policy.
Do you think the revision can achieve its objectives despite the absence of some key stakeholders?
While some top stakeholders are not present, their representatives are often senior officials with the authority to contribute meaningfully. Their input ensures that their organizations' interests are still reflected. Accordingly, the revision is an ongoing process with multiple engagements and consultations. Those absent today can still provide feedback through written submissions or future meetings. The diversity of stakeholders present brings a range of perspectives and expertise, making the process more inclusive and comprehensive. More importantly, success depends not just on attendance but on active engagement and willingness to contribute through different channels.
How does Nigeria’s M&E practice compare to other African countries?
Nigeria has made progress in M&E framework development, but its effectiveness varies across sectors. South Africa has a well-established evaluation culture following a long period of sustained practice. In this regard, Nigeria has the potential to build a stronger M&E system by leveraging its diverse population, economic strength, and experience in managing complex development challenges. Therefore, to advance, Nigeria needs to strengthen institutional capacity, especially at the state and local levels, to ensure effective implementation of M&E policies. In addition, improving data quality and accessibility will enhance informed decision-making and evidence-based policy formulation. Furthermore, fostering better stakeholder collaboration across government agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners will ensure that M&E becomes an integral part of governance and national planning.
Can the Nigeria Association of Evaluators (NAE) help in this regard?
Indeed! NAE is committed to building capacity, setting standards, and advocating for the integration of M&E in governance. The association plays a crucial role in training and capacity building by organizing workshops, seminars, and conferences aimed at equipping evaluators, policymakers, and other stakeholders with the necessary skills. Additionally, NAE is involved in developing and promoting standards and guidelines that ensure evaluations are conducted in line with international best practices. The association also engages in advocacy efforts to promote evidence-based decision-making at all levels of governance. By facilitating collaboration and networking, NAE connects evaluators with government institutions, development partners, and civil society organizations to foster a coordinated approach to M&E, locally and internationally. Furthermore, NAE provides technical assistance to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, helping them design and implement effective M&E frameworks that enhance policy efficiency and program impact. Through these efforts, NAE aims to drive policy improvement, accountability, and sustainable development.
The Deputy Director of Administration emphasized the need for M&E in legislation. What are your thoughts?
I completely agree. Globally, integrating M&E into legislative processes is a best practice, as it ensures that policies are data-driven, effective, and aligned with national development goals. Legislative backing plays a critical role in strengthening M&E by institutionalizing evaluation mechanisms and ensuring that government programs are monitored for efficiency and impact. M&E promotes accountability and transparency, allowing lawmakers to assess the effectiveness of policies, identify gaps, and refine strategies where necessary. For Nigeria, embedding M&E into legislation will enhance service delivery, improve governance efficiency, and create a culture of evidence-based policymaking that supports sustainable national development.
What should the coordinating agencies like the Office of the Head of Service and SGOF do to achieve this?
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGOF) should lead the overall coordination of M&E in Nigeria by ensuring the establishment of the Governing Council, as recommended in the National M&E policy. This council will provide strategic direction and oversight, ensuring alignment with national development goals.The Head of Service should support the professionalization of the planning cadre by creating a standalone directorate that includes both Planning and M&E sections. These two functions are interdependent—just as accountants and auditors, or the Bench and the Bar in the legal profession, work together despite distinct roles. Recognizing their synergy will enhance the effectiveness of development planning and implementation.
What are your suggestions regarding the revision?
The executive, judiciary, and legislative arms should demonstrate a strong commitment to developing and implementing a robust M&E system. This requires allocating sufficient resources, both financial and human, to support the revised policy. A clear implementation plan with specific timelines and responsibilities, devoid of duplication of roles and responsibilities, is essential to achieving that. Additionally, inter-agency collaboration must be strengthened to integrate M&E into all aspects of governance. Promoting a culture of evaluation, where data-driven decision-making is valued, will enhance policy effectiveness. Finally, establishing high-level leadership for oversight and guidance will ensure accountability and long-term success.
Do political will and non-rivalry assumptions matter in this process?
Yes, I strongly believe that political will is key to driving the successful implementation of the revised M&E policy. Without strong commitment, and efforts to institutionalize the national policy, M&E may be stalled due to unhealthy and uncalled-for rivalry and power and prioritization. Therefore, non-rivalry among stakeholders is also critical; government agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations must collaborate rather than compete, focusing on a shared commitment to knowledge generation and sharing, and resource pooling to strengthen Nigeria’s M&E system and enhance evidence-based decision-making.
What kind of support does the Nigeria Association of Evaluators (NAE) need?
NAE requires professional development programs to enhance M&E skills among members, government officials, and stakeholders because learning is not static. As such, technical assistance from experts and development partners will further strengthen these efforts. Additionally, financial support is crucial for training, workshops, and the development of M&E guidelines, including frameworks and methodologies. There should be absolute understanding from other stakeholders that advocacy efforts by the NAE are to reinforce and influence the integration of M&E into governance. Furthermore, strong coordination, collaboration, networking, and partnerships among other harmonious relationships will help leverage expertise and resources toward achieving a common objective, which is national development. In addition, access to data and legislative backing will be instrumental in institutionalizing M&E in Nigeria.
Thank you, sir.
You're welcome. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss the importance of M&E in Nigeria’s development. I hope this conversation fosters greater awareness and action toward evidence-based decision-making.
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