The Nigeria Association of Evaluators (NAE) has called for the swift passage of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Bill, emphasizing the need for a standardized evaluation practice in Nigeria.
Addressing a press conference in Bauchi, NAE National President, Dr. Umar Ibrahim, stated that the proposed legislation would enhance performance tracking, curb waste, reduce corruption risks and drive sustainable development outcomes nationwide.
The association also stressed the importance of sustained capacity-building programs, integration of digital data systems across sectors, and strengthened collaboration between government, academia, and civil society.
“M&E is the backbone of good governance. Institutionalizing M&E ensures that government projects remain on track, resources are used effectively, and citizens receive measurable value from public investments,” he said
The NAE president noted that Nigeria can draw inspiration from countries that have embedded evaluation frameworks into their public policy cycles, recording improved budget efficiency, stronger public trust, and better development outcomes.
The association identified two major challenges: limited trans-sectoral coordination leading to fragmented data systems and duplication of efforts, and inadequate technical capacity and insufficient professional training in M&E.
Ibrahim said in order to address these challenges, NAE there should be institutionalization of performance audits and independent evaluations for major public projects, and embedding M&E principles in policy design stages.
The association recognizes the efforts of Senator Anieken Bassey and the International IDEAs Project in advancing the M&E Bill at the National Assembly.
The NAE Vice President, Ms. Yetunde Adegoke, emphasized the need to institutionalize and professionalize M&E in Nigeria, while National Treasurer, Mrs. Ruth Baka, stated that NAE’s efforts aim to enhance M&E capacity, promote evidence-based decision-making, and support Nigeria’s national development goals.