Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in northeast Nigeria, has signed into law the Local Council Development Areas, Creation and Administration, Bill, establishing 13 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state.
This development is a move to deepen democratic governance and accelerate grassroots development.
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Governor Yahaya, who doubles as the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, said during the signing ceremony that the action was a defining milestone in the democratic and administrative evolution of the state.
He said with the creation of these LCDAs, Gombe now boasts 24 local administrative units, comprising the original 11 local government areas and the newly inaugurated 13 LCDAs.
Governor Yahaya said the development was a direct response to the increasing population in the state, as well as the geographic spread and demand for more responsive governance.
He stressed the constitutional backing of the reform, drawing legitimacy from Section 4(7) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers State Houses of Assembly to make laws for good governance, as well as Section 5(2b), which empowers the governor to execute such laws.
“This move aligns with our constitutional duty to promote equitable development and enhance the welfare and security of our people,” the governor affirmed.
He said the move would address historical structural imbalances, saying that despite its size and population, the state had long had only 11 LGAs, the second-lowest in Nigeria.
“With one of the highest population densities in Northern Nigeria, the case for additional administrative units is not just valid but overdue,” Governor Yahaya stated.
He said his government had hinged its decision on the successful model of Lagos State, which has operated LCDAs for over two decades, while giving assurances to the citizens that the framework would incorporate lessons learnt elsewhere to address local realities.
“We are committed to doing better by tailoring this reform to suit our unique political, social and economic context,” he said.
The governor directed both existing LGAs and the newly created LCDAs to prioritise security, basic education, primary healthcare and agriculture, saying, “These pillars are the foundation upon which we shall build a prosperous and self-reliant Gombe State.”
To ensure a seamless transition, the governor announced the establishment of interim management committees and the constitution of a high-powered transition technical committee to oversee implementation.
The committee, chaired by the deputy governor, includes key government officials and representatives from relevant institutions such as the Ministry of Justice, Local Government Service Commission, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).
Also, an executive order will soon be signed to provide legal backing and operational authority for the committee.
The Gombe State Governor expressed gratitude to the Speaker and Members of the Gombe State House of Assembly for their swift passage of the bill, as well as traditional, religious, and community leaders for their continued support.
He further acknowledged the overwhelming goodwill from the public, describing it as a sign of shared commitment between the government and the people.
The newly created LCDAs and their administrative headquarters are as follows:
1. Akko North – Amada
2. Akko West – Pindiga
3. Balanga South – Bambam
4. Billiri West – Taal
5. Dukku North – Malala
6. Funakaye South – Tongo
7. Gombe South – Bolari
8. Kaltungo East – Wange
9. Kwami West – Bojude
10. Nafada South – Birin-Fulani
11. Pero-Chonge – Filiya
12. Yamaltu East – Dadinkowa
13. Yamaltu West – Zambuk