The Gombe State Government has launched a new policy on Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the state’s programs and projects.
The launch event of the policy document, which took place at the state capital, was well-attended by key stakeholders and development partners, including the United Nations Children’s Fund.
During the launch, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya highlighted the significance of robust M&E systems in ensuring that government initiatives deliver maximum impact to the citizens. He emphasised the importance of data-driven decision-making and the need for regular monitoring to track progress and evaluate the effectiveness of policies and programs.
Represented by Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Jatau, stated that the M&E Framework was developed in line with the state’s 10-Year Development Agenda to track the plan’s implementation to ensure that the government’s policies, programs, and projects meet the citizens expectations.
Yahaya said, “The State Monitoring Evaluation and Evaluation Policy is therefore designed to institutionalise a framework to ensure that all policies, strategies, programs, and projects of the government are systematically assessed to avoid the occurrence of poorly implemented, abandoned, or distressed programs and projects, as it was with the previous plans.
“The policy will guide the monitoring and evaluation of state priorities and promote the regular evaluation of government investments and their impact on the citizens. Periodic performance reports and lessons learnt would help the government strengthen an evidence-based policy decision-making culture and practice in the state.”
Speaking, UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office chief, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, commended the government for domesticating and launching the M&E document, which had been launched at the national level. She explained that M&E plays a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of government initiatives by providing real-time feedback on progress, identifying challenges, and suggesting necessary adjustments.
She added that the introduction of the new policy demonstrates the state government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and results-orientated governance.
Rafique assured of UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Gombe State in achieving successful implementation of the M&E policy.
Chief of Bauchi Field Office said, “All the technical support and financial support will be provided as already planned and discussed with the state.”
On his part, UNICEF’s Chief of Planning and Monitoring, Wayne Amago Bacale, explained that the launch of the M&E policy document is a step in the right direction towards achieving sustainable progress in the state.
He said, “Through this policy we will be able to know how we are progressing as a state, Based on the state development plan, the state development plan has identified key priorities and key results areas that the state government wants to achieve by 2030, and through monitoring and evaluation, the state will be able to track progress on how we are improving in those targets.”
