Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has taken a major step toward deepening grassroots governance with the submission of a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking the establishment of 13 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). The move, according to the governor, is aimed at bringing governance closer to the people, improving service delivery, and promoting inclusive participation across the state. The proposal comes just weeks after the Senate conducted a North-East public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution in July, which included discussions on strengthening local governance structures.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, the governor described the initiative as historic, noting that the LCDAs would function as administrative sub-divisions of existing Local Government Areas. He explained that the new structures would address pressing community needs in areas such as security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social services, particularly for rural and underserved communities. The LCDAs are also expected to work in collaboration with traditional institutions and community leaders to sustain peace, enhance development, and tackle emerging security concerns in line with the Gombe State Chieftaincy Law (as amended).
The proposed 13 LCDAs and their respective headquarters are: Akko North (Amada), Akko West (Pindiga), Balanga South (Bambam), Billiri West (Tal), Dukku North (Malala), Funakaye South (Tongo), Gombe South (Bolari), Kaltungo East (Wange), Kwami West (Bojude), Nafada West (Birin Fulani), Pero-Chonge (Filiya), Yamaltu East (Hinna), and Yamaltu West (Zambuk). Each LCDA will have its own administrative framework, with Interim Management Committees appointed to oversee operations until substantive local government elections are conducted.
Governor Yahaya disclosed that the reform will be implemented in phases, with clear operational guidelines, staffing structures, and budgetary allocations to ensure efficiency from inception. He stressed that the initiative is part of his administration’s broader agenda to ensure that governance is accessible and responsive to the needs of citizens at the grassroots level.
Calling on lawmakers to give the bill speedy and favorable consideration, Yahaya urged residents to support what he described as a “visionary step” toward inclusive governance. “This initiative reinforces Gombe State’s position as a leader in grassroots-driven development in Nigeria,” he stated.
