Gombe State lauded as model for World Bank-funded development projects
Gombe state has been commended by the World Bank for its exceptional performance in implementing development projects, with the Bank describing the state as a model of results-driven governance in Nigeria.
The commendation came from the World Bank country director for Nigeria, Matthew Verghis, during an official visit to Gombe, where he praised Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his proactive leadership and strong ownership of state development programmes.
Mr. Verghis noted that Gombe is executing 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 high performance is the active engagement of the governor,” he said.
He highlighted that recent reforms by the World Bank have shifted project implementation responsibilities to state governments, a move that has improved accountability, sustainability, and results. “The projects are evenly distributed, and Gombe has demonstrated that even states with fewer resources can achieve remarkable results through commitment and leadership,” Verghis added.
The country director also commended Gombe’s initiatives in early childhood development, covering maternal health, child survival, nutrition, and education, describing these areas as critical priorities requiring coordinated, multi-sectoral interventions. He emphasized that future World Bank strategies in Nigeria will focus on results-based financing and leveraging private sector investment to expand development impact.
Responding, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its continued support, saying the partnership has been instrumental to the state’s progress. “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,” he said.
He stressed the state government’s commitment to sustainability and inclusiveness, noting the expansion of health interventions to all 114 wards, with each ward now hosting at least one functional primary healthcare centre, and many areas having two or more. The governor reiterated his administration’s focus on human capital development, particularly in nutrition and healthcare, aligning with the World Bank’s priorities in early childhood development.
Governor Yahaya assured the World Bank delegation of Gombe state’s continued cooperation, transparency, and support for the Bank’s ownership and sustainability framework. “We are committed to ensuring ownership, sustainability, and the full achievement of project objectives. Every intervention we implement is aimed at improving the living conditions of our people,” he concluded.
