The Nigeria Association of Evaluators (NAE) has called for the swift passage of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Bill to provide legal backing for standardised evaluation practices in the country.
The association also advocated sustained capacity-building programmes, integration of digital data systems, and stronger collaboration among government, academia, and civil society to enhance national development outcomes.
The national president of the association Dr. Umar Ibrahim made the call on Thursday during a press conference in Bauchi, emphasising the need to institutionalise M&E across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
According to him, the proposed legislation will enhance performance tracking, curb waste, reduce corruption risks, and promote sustainable development nationwide.
Dr. Ibrahim described monitoring and evaluation as the backbone of good governance, noting that institutionalising it would ensure government projects remain on track, resources are efficiently utilised, and citizens receive measurable value from public investments.
“As Nigeria pursues sustainable growth, fiscal responsibility, and improved service delivery, institutionalising M&E is both timely and strategic,” he said.
He added that a legally backed, professionally driven monitoring and evaluation system would strengthen governance, reinforce public trust, and ensure development initiatives deliver lasting impact.
The association stressed the critical role of monitoring and evaluation in improving governance systems and national development, urging policymakers, development partners, legislators, and the media to embrace professional M&E practices.
NAE noted that strong monitoring and evaluation frameworks improve project outcomes, reduce inefficiencies, and promote transparency in resource utilisation.
Highlighting existing progress, the association cited initiatives such as the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) in the Federal Ministry of Health, which has improved coordination and accountability in health interventions.
It also referenced the Performance Management System (PMS) under the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, as well as the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, all of which emphasise results-based management and measurable impact.
The association further pointed to recent remarks by the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), underscoring the role of credible monitoring systems in preventing mismanagement and weak policy implementation.
Despite these gains, NAE identified key challenges, including weak cross-sector coordination leading to fragmented data systems, and inadequate technical capacity for effective implementation.
“Many agencies lack skilled evaluators, standardized tools, and digital systems necessary for real-time performance tracking and impact assessment,” Dr. Ibrahim noted.
To address these gaps, the association called for the institutionalisation of performance audits and independent evaluations for major public projects, as well as the integration of M&E principles at the policy design stage.
NAE also acknowledged the contributions of Senator Anieken Bassey and the International IDEAs Project in advancing the M&E Bill at the National Assembly.
Speaking further, the association’s Vice President, Ms. Yetunde Adegoke, stressed the need to professionalise monitoring and evaluation practices in Nigeria.
“Together, we can build a culture of accountability, transparency, and measurable impact,” she said.
Similarly, the National Treasurer, Mrs. Ruth Baka, noted that NAE’s efforts are aimed at strengthening monitoring and evaluation capacity, promoting evidence-based decision-making, and improving project outcomes in line with national development goals.
Dr. Ibrahim reaffirmed the association’s commitment to working with government, development partners, and civil society to entrench a results-oriented culture that drives national progress.
He explained that NAE is a professional body dedicated to advancing the theory and practice of monitoring and evaluation in Nigeria, promoting accountability, institutional learning, and evidence-based decision-making across sectors.
“Our Association continues to contribute to national conversations on performance management, public sector reform, and sustainable development. As Nigeria deepens reforms aimed at economic recovery and improved service delivery, NAE reaffirms its commitment to positioning M&E as a strategic tool for transparency, results-based management, and national transformation,” he assured.
The current National Executive Council (NEC) comprises: Dr. Umar Ibrahim, National President; Ms. Adegoke Oluwakemi Yetunde, National Vice President; Mr. Kwarkas Rinji, Secretary General; Mr. Muhammad Nuradeen, Assistant Secretary General; Mr. Sikiru Taoheed Oladehinde, Financial Secretary; Mrs. Ruth Edward Baka, Treasurer; and Mr. Paul Omoruyi, Publicity Secretary.