Yobe State Governor, Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni, CON, on Thursday October 2, 2025, led a high-powered delegation to the World Bank Country Office in Abuja to push forward discussions on the commencement of the Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons and Host Communities (SOLID) Project.
In his remarks, Governor Buni expressed deep appreciation to the World Bank for what he described as sustained support to Nigeria and to Yobe State through transformative investments in infrastructure, livelihoods, and social development. He explained that Yobe State continues to align its programs with national development priorities through urban renewal projects, the Damaturu Green Economic City, expanded water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs, as well as large-scale agricultural interventions.
“Yobe today stands out as the most prepared Tier-1 state for the SOLID Project. With 167,350 internally displaced persons and intense peri-urban growth pressures around Damaturu, the project comes at a critical time. It offers us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to turn displacement into resilience and recovery,” Governor Buni stated.
The governor reaffirmed Yobe State’s commitment to meeting all requirements for the SOLID initiative. He pointed out the development of a participatory State Action Plan on Durable Solutions, domestication of the National IDP Policy, creation of the State Policy Advisory Committee on Durable Solutions, and the operationalization of a State SOLID Project Coordination Unit. According to him, his administration has also made significant financial commitments, including dedicating 12% of the 2025 state budget for solution-focused development projects.
Responding, the World Bank Country Director, Dr. Mathew Verghis, praised Governor Buni for his leadership and proactive preparations toward the successful implementation of SOLID in Yobe. He described the state as a model of political will and readiness to address displacement and development challenges.
“Your Excellency, we recognize Yobe’s unique challenges but also its leadership in advancing durable solutions. The Bank stands ready to work with your government to ensure SOLID delivers tangible, lasting results,” Dr. Verghis said. He assured that the World Bank would continue to partner with Yobe State in strengthening disaster risk management, supporting climate resilience, and accelerating investments that directly benefit displaced persons and host communities.
The meeting ended with both sides renewing their commitment to collaborate with the Federal Government and other partners to fast-track the signing of the Subsidiary Agreement and the credit effectiveness needed for the project take-off. Governor Buni also pledged to engage other governors across the country to ensure collective ownership of the SOLID initiative, which is designed to create durable solutions for internally displaced persons and their host communities.
He was accompanied by Distinguished Senator Musa Mustapha, representing Yobe Central, the Chief of Staff to the Yobe State Government House, Alhaji Abdullahi Yusuf Gashua, Chairman of Potiskum Local Government, Hon. Salisu Mukhtari, the Permanent Secretary Liaison, Sani Mohammed Ismail, Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Liman Ibrahim, and the SOLID Project Coordinator, Suleiman Dauda.
On the World Bank side, the delegation was led by Dr. Mathew Verghis, alongside the SOLID Project Task Team Leader, Mr. Francis Samson Nkoka, the Co-TTL, Christopher Mays Johnson, and a team of technical specialists.