Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has officially rolled out a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E;) policy designed to guarantee that public funds translate into tangible improvements for citizens. The initiative, announced through the vice‑chairman of the Cross River State Planning Commission, Dr Bong Duke, emphasizes accountability, transparency and evidence‑based decision‑making across all levels of government.
What does the new M&E; framework entail?
The policy shifts the emphasis from merely reporting activities and financial outlays to demonstrating the real impact of public investments. It establishes a coordinated, results‑oriented system that will monitor programmes across ministries, departments, agencies and local government areas, ensuring that each project is assessed against clear performance indicators.
How does the policy align with existing development plans?
According to Governor Otu, the framework dovetails with the Cross River State Development Plan 2024‑2033, strengthening the connection between planning, budgeting, execution and measurable outcomes. Sectors such as roads, health, education, agriculture, social protection, environmental sustainability and economic development will be evaluated based on progress and impact rather than just expenditure.
Who supported the formulation of the policy?
UNICEF played a pivotal role, with Planning and Monitoring Specialist Maureen Zubie‑Okolo (representing the agency’s Enugu Field Office chief, Juliet Chiluwe) noting that the policy will help track the state development plan and convert public spending into observable benefits. UNICEF provided both technical and financial assistance after a needs assessment and extensive consultations with government officials, civil society and development partners.
What are the priority groups under the new framework?
The policy explicitly prioritises children, women and girls, persons with disabilities, rural communities and other vulnerable groups that often encounter barriers to accessing public services and development opportunities.
How will implementation be managed?
Chief Planning Officer of the State Planning Commission, Dr Ofem Obono Oka (speaking on behalf of Dr Felix Eke), explained that execution will follow the four pillars of the State Development Plan: governance and institutions, the economy, the environment, and social sectors. Stakeholders—including government agencies, local councils, development partners and civil society organisations—are urged to bolster data systems, ensure reliable reporting, train personnel and allocate sufficient funding.
Governor Otu stressed that the policy is not intended to intimidate public officers or create bureaucratic bottlenecks; rather, it aims to identify problems, learn from experience and enhance overall government performance. By adopting a child‑sensitive, disaggregated data approach, the framework seeks to expose inequalities and guide corrective actions, thereby improving the effectiveness of public resource mobilisation and utilisation.
The M&E; policy represents a significant step toward results‑driven governance in Cross River State, aligning local priorities with national development objectives and the Sustainable Development Goals.