Abuja: Cloneshouse, a specialist evaluation firm, has pledged to support the Nigerian Evaluation Association (NAE) to ensure transparency and responsible use of resources by performing assessments and creating national accountability frameworks. Mr. Onochie Mokwunye, Director of Strategic Partnership and Programmes at Cloneshouse, announced this initiative during the 2025 NAE and Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Training and Symposium held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the symposium, themed ‘Strengthening National Development through Inclusive and Collaborative Monitoring and Evaluation System’, highlights Cloneshouse’s commitment to strengthening evaluation capacity, improving evidence use, and expanding local expertise across Nigeria and Africa. Mokwunye emphasized that Cloneshouse is providing technical assistance to government entities, bilateral and multilateral agencies, foundations, private entities, and NGOs in monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
Mokwunye further elaborated that the symposium serves as a platform for evaluation professionals, policymakers, researchers, development partners, and youth evaluators to advance the practice and culture of evaluation across Nigeria and Africa. Cloneshouse, as a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) organization, is dedicated to offering evaluation, research, evidence and impact technology, and capacity-building services across the continent. The firm’s sponsorship signifies its belief in the central role of evaluation in accountable governance, effective programming, and sustainable development, values that align with those of the Nigerian Evaluation Association.
Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at NAE, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning in effective governance evaluations and as custodians of truth. He highlighted that the gathering is more than a routine conference; it represents a commitment to accountability, evidence-based policymaking, and sustainable national development. Usman noted that the training provided through the event would equip professionals with the necessary tools for credible ethical evaluations.
Additionally, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, stated that monitoring and evaluation are crucial drivers of the economy. He assured the support of his ministry as a national planning custodian and promised to partner with the association to carry out its evaluation programs.