The Gombe State Government in northeast Nigeria has submitted a bill to the state House of Assembly seeking to establish 13 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), a step seen as historic in strengthening grassroots governance.
The move is said to be in line with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s deep commitment to bringing governance closer to the people, as well as improving service delivery and promoting inclusive and participatory democracy across the state.
The proposed LCDAs, designed as administrative subdivisions of existing local government areas, are expected to play a vital role in addressing pressing local needs in security, education, healthcare, infrastructure and social services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
It will also work closely with traditional institutions and community leaders to maintain peace, promote local development, and address emerging security concerns, in line with the provisions of the Gombe State Chieftaincy Law, as amended.
The 13 proposed LCDAs and their designated headquarters are as follows:
- Akko North (Headquarters: Amada)
- Akko West (Headquarters: Pindiga)
- Balanga South (Headquarters: Bambam)
- Billiri West (Headquarters: Tal)
- Dukku North (Headquarters: Malala)
- Funakaye South (Headquarters: Tongo)
- Gombe South (Headquarters: Bolari)
- Kaltungo East (Headquarters: Wange)
- Kwami West (Headquarters: Bojude)
- Nafada South (Headquarters: Birin Fulani)
- Pero-Chonge (Headquarters: Filiya)
- Yamaltu East (Headquarters: Hinna)
- Yamaltu West (Headquarters: Zambuk)
The bill is also expected to provide for the establishment of interim management committees that will oversee operations in each LCDA pending the conduct of substantive local elections to ensure smooth implementation.
It will be rolled out in phases, with clear operational frameworks, staffing structures and budgetary allocations to guarantee efficiency from the onset.
In line with this, Governor Yahaya is calling on the Gombe State House of Assembly to give the bill expeditious and favourable consideration.
He is also calling on citizens to embrace and support this visionary initiative, which reinforces the position of Gombe State as a leader in inclusive governance and grassroots-driven development in Nigeria.