The World Bank has commended Gombe State for its strong performance in the implementation of donor-supported projects, describing it as a model for effective and results-driven governance in Nigeria.
The Country Director for Nigeria, Matthew Verghis, gave the commendation during an official visit to the state, where he praised the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and the level of ownership demonstrated in executing development programmes.
Verghis said Gombe was implementing a significant number of World Bank-supported projects while maintaining high performance standards.
“We have observed that projects are performing even better in Gombe compared to many other states. One key factor behind this is the active engagement of the governor,” he said.
He explained that recent reforms by the bank had shifted more responsibility for project implementation to state governments, improving accountability and sustainability.
According to him, states now access funding based on their readiness to meet performance criteria, noting that Gombe had shown that even less-resourced states could achieve impactful results through commitment and leadership.
The director also highlighted the bank’s evolving strategy in Nigeria, including a shift towards results-based financing and increased collaboration with the private sector to enhance development impact.
He commended the state’s efforts in early childhood development, particularly in maternal health, child nutrition, education and survival, describing the sector as critical for long-term growth.
Responding, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya expressed appreciation to the World Bank for its sustained support, noting that the partnership had been instrumental to the state’s development progress.
He said the state currently benefits from several World Bank interventions across key sectors, with additional projects in the pipeline.
“Gombe is among the least-resourced states in terms of federal allocation, but with support from partners like the World Bank, we have delivered projects that directly improve the lives of our people,” he said.
The governor emphasised the administration’s focus on inclusiveness and sustainability, citing the expansion of healthcare services to all 114 wards, with at least one functional primary healthcare centre per ward.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to human capital development, particularly in nutrition and healthcare, and pledged continued support for the bank’s sustainability framework.
Meanwhile, the World Bank delegation inspected a 21-kilometre gully erosion control project under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) at the Federal College of Education (Technical) watershed in Gombe.
A representative of Triacta Nigeria Ltd., Mr Imran Khan, said the project combined reinforced concrete structures with bioremediation techniques to restore degraded land and prevent further erosion.
Also speaking, the state ACReSAL coordinator, Sani Adamu Jauro, said the intervention included livelihood support for affected communities, with over 100 beneficiaries accessing waste management and rainwater harvesting facilities.
He added that a community revolving fund of over ₦350 million had been established to boost local economic activities and strengthen resilience.
The delegation also participated in a tree-planting exercise alongside Mohsen Antit, in support of the state’s environmental sustainability initiative.
Beneficiaries of the project commended the intervention, saying it had improved their livelihoods and protected homes and farmlands from erosion.
