By Danjuma Attah, Gombe
The World Bank County Director for Nigeria, Mr Matthew Verghis, has described the execution of several assisted projects by the World Bank in Gombe State as a model for result–driven governance in Nigeria.
The World Bank, is reported to be supporting Gombe State Government in the execution of no fewer than thirteen people oriented projects in the State which include, Agro Climatic Resilience Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL), Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-Pres) among several others.
Mr Verghis gave the commendation during an official visit to the State, where he lauded the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, and the level of commitment demonstrated in executing development programmes.
Visibly impressed by what he saw, Mr. Verghis noted that Gombe is implementing a significant number of World Bank-supported projects while maintaining exceptionally high performance standards.
According to him, “We have observed that projects are performing even better in Gombe compared to many other States. One key factor behind high performance is the active engagement of the Governor”.
He also pointed out that recent reforms by the World Bank have shifted project implementation responsibilities increasingly to State Governments, a move that has significantly improved performance, accountability and sustainability.
Under the current framework, Mr Verghis added, States access funding based on their readiness and willingness to meet specific performance criteria.
His words, “The projects are evenly distributed, and Gombe has demonstrated that even States and with fewer resources can achieve remarkable results through commitment and leadership”.
The Country Director also outlined the World Bank’s evolving strategy in Nigeria, particularly the transition toward results-based financing and efforts to leverage private sector investment to amplify development impact.
He acknowledged Gombe State’s efforts in early childhood development, covering maternal health, child survival, nutrition, and education describing the interventions as critical priority areas that requires more coordinated, multi-sectoral interventions.
On his part, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, while appreciating the World Bank’s sustained support, described the partnership as instrumental to the State’s development progress. He also noted that the State currently benefits from World Bank’s numerous interventions across key sectors, with more in the pipeline.
“Gombe is among the least-resourced States in terms of federal allocation, but with the support of partners like the World Bank, we have been able to deliver impactful projects that directly improve the lives of our people,” Governor Yamaha State.
He emphasized the State Government’s deliberate efforts to ensure inclusiveness and sustainability, citing the expansion of health interventions to cover all 114 wards in the State, with at least one functional primary healthcare centre per ward – now increased to two or more in many areas.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya also reiterated his administration’s commitment to human capital development, particularly in nutrition and healthcare, in line with the World Bank’s focus on early childhood development.
He assured of the Government’s readiness to fully support the World Bank’s ownership and sustainability framework with optimism that the interventions in the State will benefit his people.
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