The World Bank has appointed Mathew Verghis as its new Country Director for Nigeria, effective July 1, 2025.
Verghis succeeds Ndiame Diop, who has taken on a new role within the institution.
Verghis brings more than 25 years of experience in development economics, public finance, and policy reform across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
He had served as Lead Economist for Southeast Asia, Senior Economist for Turkey and Serbia, and country economist for Ethiopia and Eritrea.
The new country Director for Nigeria has written widely on growth, poverty, fiscal policy, and labour markets.
He earned his M.A. and Ph.D in Economics from the University of Notre Dame, in the United States.
He joined the World Bank in 1999 and most recently served as Regional Director for Equitable Growth, Finance and Institutions in South Asia, based in Washington, D.C.
In his new position, Verghis will oversee the Bank’s Nigeria portfolio, its largest in Africa, and one of the biggest globally, managing billions of dollars in active commitments.
He will lead the Bank’s strategic engagement with the Nigerian government, private sector, and civil society to implement reforms, accelerate inclusive growth, and address pressing development challenges.
