By: Peter Emmanuel |
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems to improve project delivery, enhance accountability and support evidence-based decision-making across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The commitment was made on Wednesday at the 2026 Monitoring and Evaluation Stakeholders’ Forum organised by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget in Alausa, Ikeja, with the theme, “Leveraging Monitoring and Evaluation to Advance Shared Prosperity: Chart the Course, Track the Result, Share the Prosperity.”
The forum brought together government officials, academics, development partners, private sector representatives, civil society organisations and community leaders to discuss ways of improving the state’s project monitoring framework.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs Olayinka Ojo, said effective monitoring and evaluation remained important to achieving the objectives of the Lagos State Development Plan (LSDP) 2052 and the THEMES+ Development Agenda.
She explained that development outcomes depend on proper planning, effective implementation, continuous monitoring and learning to ensure government interventions deliver measurable benefits to residents.
Lagos Strengthens Monitoring for Better Project Delivery
Mrs Ojo said monitoring and evaluation provide a framework for transparency, stronger institutional performance and responsible use of public resources.
She noted that the stakeholders’ forum was organised to encourage collaboration, share experiences and develop practical solutions that would improve the state’s monitoring and evaluation process.
The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Ope George, said the state’s monitoring system begins from the budget preparation stage, where residents contribute their needs and priorities through consultations across the IBILE divisions.
According to him, after projects are approved, the Ministry’s Monitoring and Evaluation Department works with relevant MDAs to track implementation, assess progress and ensure projects meet required standards before payments are made.
George said every government project, including major infrastructure, healthcare, education and community interventions, is subjected to monitoring to ensure public funds are properly utilised.
Technology Improves Tracking, Accountability
The Commissioner said technology has become an important part of Lagos State’s effort to improve project monitoring and make information more accessible to residents.
He cited the EKO360 App as one of the digital platforms that allows citizens to follow project implementation, adding that emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence would further support data collection and decision-making.
George explained that the use of digital tools would help government officials gather accurate information, track progress and respond quickly to challenges affecting project delivery.
He stressed that monitoring was not only about checking completed projects but also ensuring that investments translate into meaningful improvements in the lives of residents.
The state government, he added, would continue to explore innovative approaches that strengthen accountability and improve the effectiveness of public programmes.
Experts Call for Results-Based Governance
Delivering the keynote presentation, former Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr Shamsuddeen Usman, called for the adoption of a Results-Based Manageent framework to improve public sector performance.
Represented by Mr Aliyu Ahmed, founding President of the Nigeria Association of Evaluators, Usman said governments should be judged by the impact of their projects on citizens rather than only the amount of money spent or the number of projects completed.
He identified efficiency, effectiveness, impact and equity as key measures for assessing government programmes and ensuring public spending produces meaningful outcomes.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council, Alhaji Hamzat Azeez, commended the state government for involving communities in project planning, monitoring and management after completion.
He said community participation has strengthened ownership of projects and helped ensure that government interventions continue to serve residents after delivery. Stakeholders at the forum agreed that stronger monitoring, collaboration and accountability remain critical to achieving sustainable development in Lagos State.
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