A validation workshop was held in Bauchi, Nigeria, where stakeholders reviewed and validated the domesticated Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Sector Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework. The framework aims to finalize a robust tracking system that aligns with the state’s newly reviewed WASH Policy. The policy currently awaits executive assent from the State Governor. The framework is expected to boost project sustainability and transparency in the water sector.
The validation workshop was organized by WaterAid Nigeria in collaboration with its partners. The Permanent Secretary of the Bauchi State Ministry of Water Resources, Samaila Muhammad Tela, described the framework as an essential roadmap for critical water interventions. He emphasized that it establishes clear guidelines to measure project outcomes against key performance indicators. Tela noted that the framework is tailored to Bauchi State’s specific geographical and social needs.
The framework focuses on climate resilience for infrastructure, gender inclusivity for equitable access, community health outcomes, and long-term infrastructure maintenance. According to Tela, without a plan, project execution cannot be effective. He stated that monitoring and evaluation are necessary to verify if expected indicators are met, if progress is on track, and if strict accountability is maintained.
The WaterAid State Programme Lead, Mr. Mashat Mallo, explained that the domestication process began a few years ago but was paused to integrate emerging priorities from the updated state WASH policy. These priorities include climate change resilience, safely managed sanitation protocols, and gender mainstreaming. Mallo highlighted that the institutional M&E framework came at a strategic time, as Bauchi State was recently enrolled in the World Bank-supported SURWASH programme.
The SURWASH initiative operates on a Program-for-Results (PforR) model, where funding is directly tied to verifiable delivery. Mallo stressed that having a functional M&E framework is a mandatory prerequisite for unlocking international development finances. The framework will empower the media and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to track targets, question progress, and demand government accountability using clear, standardized indicators.
The M&E framework aims to coordinate and facilitate performance assessment across Water Sector MDAs and support evidence-based decision-making for policy formulation. This will enable the state to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions. The framework is expected to enhance service delivery and project sustainability in the water sector.
Key stakeholders, including government officials and development partners, participated in the validation workshop. The framework is expected to be implemented soon, and its success will depend on the collaboration of all stakeholders. The implementation of the framework will ensure that the state’s water sector is monitored and evaluated effectively, leading to improved service delivery and project sustainability.
Key points
- The Bauchi State government has validated a water sector monitoring and evaluation framework to enhance service delivery and project sustainability.
- The framework aims to finalize a robust tracking system that aligns with the state’s newly reviewed WASH Policy.
- The implementation of the framework will empower the media and CSOs to track targets, question progress, and demand government accountability.
