Borno govt, UNICEF train staff on monitoring, evaluation framework

Borno State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has trained staff to enhance their capacity and bridge monitoring and evaluation (M&E) gaps, increasing networking in the state.

Speaking during the training with selected staff from governmental and non-governmental organisations in Maiduguri on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement, Haladu Garba, said the programme focuses on enlightenment and M&E framework for project implementation.

According to him, monitoring and evaluation are essential for every government to measure the performance and effectiveness of programmes and projects. “The programme aims to train staff for proper understanding and implementation of M&E frameworks,” he explained.

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Garba stated that development partners are crucial for the success of the programme. Borno State has a 25-year development plan, which is being implemented with notable results. The government has been establishing settlements across the state to resettle displaced communities.

In his presentation, the Executive Director of My I.T. Consult Limited, Mubaraq Muhammad, said Borno State faces immense socio-economic challenges due to prolonged insecurity, making a robust M&E system essential for tracking progress and ensuring evidence-based decision-making.

The Borno State Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) System Readiness Assessment, conducted with UNICEF’s support, revealed a moderate readiness level for a results-based M&E system. The assessment highlighted the need for significant investment in capacity building, governance frameworks, and data management.

“The M&E system aims to promote transparency and accountability, allowing citizens to monitor government commitments,” Muhammad said. UNICEF’s acting chief of the Borno field office reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Borno State, particularly in building a child-sensitive M&E system aligned with the state plan.

He called for prioritising the assessment’s recommendations, investing in capacity building, data systems, and technology, fostering a culture of accountability, and remaining committed to sustainable development and humanitarian outcomes.

The event celebrated the successful completion of the assessment and looked forward to continued collaboration. The assessment provides a roadmap for strengthening Borno State’s M&E system, highlighting strengths and offering actionable recommendations for improvement.