By Segun Adewale in Gombe
Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Thursday, 4 December, 2025, received a delegation from the Gates Foundation, led by the Global Polio Director, Kathy Neuzil,in a new effort aimed towards deepening partnership to improve polio immunization coverage, particularly in hard-to-reach and security-challenged communities across Northern Nigeria.
The meeting, held at the Gombe Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, also explored measures to strengthen security coordination, community mobilization and monitoring frameworks, with clear timelines and milestones to accelerate progress toward a polio-free Nigeria.
As Chairman of both the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and the National Economic Council (NEC) Committee on Polio Eradication, Governor Inuwa Yahaya reiterated his commitment to supporting the nation’s efforts to eradicate polio.
He acknowledged the vital role played by the Gates Foundation and emphasized the need for sustained partnership, particularly in areas where insecurity poses challenges to field operations.
“It is true that some states are contending with serious security challenges that hinder field workers from reaching certain communities.
As Chairman of the NEC Committee on Polio Eradication, I will continue to engage my colleagues and relevant security agencies to strengthen access. If it requires special security arrangements to protect health workers, we are fully prepared to facilitate that.”
Governor Inuwa Yahaya disclosed that new security strategies are already being deployed and expressed confidence that these measures will significantly improve accessibility and ensure the safety of frontline workers in the next round of immunization campaigns.
He assured the Foundation of his continued support in facilitating cooperation among Northern governors to enhance immunization coverage and sustain the drive toward eradication.
He referenced the “Gombe model”, built on strong community ownership, coordinated structures and consistent political will, as an approach that can be replicated across the region to achieve better outcomes.
In her remarks, the GF Global Polio Director, Kathy Neuzil, expressed concern over the limited access to many communities due to insecurity and sought sustained collaboration with Governor Inuwa Yahaya, in his dual roles as NSGF Chairman and NEC Polio Committee Chairman, to help engage state leaders and security agencies in providing the necessary cover for field workers administering the polio vaccine.
She praised the Governor’s leadership and the significant progress recorded in Gombe State, noting that donors closely monitor levels of political commitment, community engagement and action-driven milestones.
According to a Press release issued by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe, Neuzil said, “We commend the remarkable political will in Gombe”.
She added that, “Working together with state governments, especially under your leadership at the NSGF, gives us confidence that the remaining gaps can be closed.”
Governor Inuwa Yahaya was joined in the meeting by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru; Executive Secretary of GoHealth, Dr. Abubakar Musa; and the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Abdulrahman Shuaibu.
The Gates Foundation delegation included: Kathy Neuzil, Global Polio Director; Yusuf Yusufari, Deputy Director; and Andrew Stein, Deputy Director.
