Technical assistance across every disbursement-linked indicator in the State's SABER programme — from reviewing a weak Year 1 to preparing evidence that survives independent verification.
The challenge
Katsina's SABER performance did not turn on the quality of its reform intentions. It turned on whether each Disbursement-Linked Result could be independently verified — against a defined result, prescribed data sources and a set verification procedure. Year 1 had left gaps in evidence, publication and institutional responsibility that would compound if carried forward, because later years build on arrangements established earlier even though the Independent Verification Agent assesses each result on its own.
Our approach
We began by reviewing the State's Year 1 performance in full — requirements, evidence, institutional responsibilities, publication obligations and the IVA's observations — and used that diagnosis to shape Years 2 and 3. From there the work ran the whole cycle: translating DLI requirements into State-level actions, assigning them to responsible MDAs, building the documents, reviewing evidence before submission, identifying gaps likely to fail verification, and coordinating the State's responses to IVA queries.
Achievement under SABER depends on satisfying specific definitions, procedures, publication requirements and evidence standards. It does not depend on producing a document.
What we delivered
- Business Enabling Reforms Action Plans and annual progress reports
- DLR tracking matrices and reform implementation schedules
- Evidence matrices, gap analyses and verification-ready documentation
- Publication and disclosure support across official State websites
- Technical responses to Independent Verification Agent observations
Outcomes
Katsina secured US$8.5 million in Year 1 and US$14.5 million in Year 2. The progression between the two reflects the deepening of actual implementation, not improved reporting. Year 3 is in progress, with the State positioned to pursue the maximum available disbursement.
Partners
Katsina State Government · World Bank-supported SABER programme