SamuelUbile ®

On this Workers’ Day, all of us at the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination celebrate the workforce that ensures policy is not only designed, but executed with discipline and measurable results. Happy Workers’ Day.

Today, the Technical Aide on Presidential Priorities to the Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination, @Sohiare, represented the Special Adviser, @hadizabalausman, at the National Defence College, Abuja, during the Policy Formulation, Analysis and Implementation Capstone Course lecture on Policy Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL). In her speech, Bala Usman noted that Nigeria’s development and security challenges will not be solved by policy intentions alone, but by disciplined implementation driven by measurable results. She pointed out that MEL remains the critical bridge between well-crafted policies and tangible outcomes for citizens. The Special Adviser noted that in an increasingly complex governance environment, evidence-informed policymaking is no longer optional but essential. She explained that Monitoring and Evaluation equip government with the tools to track progress, assess impact, identify implementation gaps and make timely course corrections. She further pointed out that institutionalising data-driven systems and clear performance indicators ensures public resources are aligned with national priorities and deliver real value to Nigerians. She concluded by saying that the true strength of any MEL framework lies in its ability to promote learning and adaptation. According to the Special Adviser, policies must continuously evolve based on evidence from the field, with lessons from both success and failure informing future action. Participants were also charged to champion a culture of accountability, transparency and continuous learning, with MEL described as a cornerstone of effective governance and strategic leadership.