Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, has officially launched the Gombe State Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Policy, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The policy, aimed at establishing a robust framework to assess the effectiveness of government policies, programmes, and projects, was launched by the Deputy Governor, Manassah Jatau, at the International Hotel, Gombe.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor emphasised that the policy reflects Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s vision of enhancing economic growth and human capital development.
He stated that the M&E framework will ensure evidence-based policy formation, strategic budget planning, efficient resource allocation, and continuous validation of state initiatives to meet public expectations.
“The Monitoring and Evaluation framework aligns with the Ten-Year (2021–2030) Development Agenda for Gombe State, ensuring the progress of implementation is tracked while commitments are evaluated. This will guarantee that government strategies and programmes provide tangible benefits to citizens,” he said.
On enforcing the policy, Jatau reiterated the administration’s commitment to result-based planning and learning.
He added that regular performance monitoring and reporting to the State Executive Council and the State House of Assembly will foster accountability.
“The M&E policy will not only transform communities across the state but also improve service delivery, enhancing citizens’ confidence in their future,” he remarked.
Alhaji Salisu Baba Alkali, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, described the launch as a significant milestone in the state’s journey toward strengthening its monitoring systems.
He noted that the policy focuses on tracking outcomes and impacts to ensure alignment with Gombe’s development agenda.
He acknowledged the contributions of development partners, including UNICEF, saying, “The Monitoring and Evaluation team, led by the consultant and UNICEF specialists, has worked tirelessly to design effective systems that align with our ten-year plan.”
Prof. Nwokocha Ezebunwa from the University of Ibadan, who provided an overview of the policy, highlighted its comprehensive and systematic approach.
He urged the state governments to maintain political will through timely funding and periodic appraisals to accommodate evolving trends and emerging needs.
In goodwill messages, UNICEF Chief of Planning, Monitoring, and Reporting, Wayne Barcale, and Mrs. Ayinde Yakubu, Director of National Monitoring and Evaluation at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Abuja, commended Gombe State for becoming the first to domesticate the M&E policy in Nigeria.
Jalo Ibrahim Ali, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, reflected on the journey of domesticating the policy, while the Special Adviser, Development Partner Coordination Office, Dr. Ishaku Babayo, expressed gratitude to attendees during the vote of thanks.
The launch of the M&E policy is expected to significantly enhance governance and foster a culture of accountability, ensuring that Gombe State remains on track to achieve its developmental goals.
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