The Governors of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States  Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, and Hon. Mai Mala Buni  on Monday met with the new World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Matthew Verghis, in Abuja.

The meeting was part of efforts to strengthen collaboration on development and stabilization projects across the North-East region.

Governor Zulum, who led the delegation, welcomed the new Director and expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s continued support to the BAY (Borno, Adamawa, Yobe) states. He emphasized the need for improved coordination to enhance the impact of ongoing recovery and stabilization programs.

“We appreciate the World Bank’s commitment to the North East, but we must also address challenges on the ground to achieve greater results,” Zulum said.

Governors Buni and Fintiri also commended the Bank’s interventions while highlighting key areas requiring renewed focus, including infrastructure, livelihoods, and education. They called for more deliberate efforts to strengthen resilience in communities affected by years of insurgency.

In his response, Mr. Verghis thanked the governors for the visit and reaffirmed the World Bank’s readiness to deepen engagement with the states.

“We are committed to partnering with state governments to ensure our projects deliver sustainable outcomes for the people of the North East,” the Country Director assured.

Governor Zulum was accompanied by key project coordinators, including Aishatu Musa Sheikh (Nigeria for Women Project), Dr. Aliyu Umar Bashir (Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria, SPIN), and Hajiya Maryam Shehu.