The Gombe State House of Assembly has held a public hearing on a bill proposing the creation of 13 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
This is aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and accelerating development.
The event, held at the GSHA Conference Hall, was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, security chiefs, community stakeholders and members of the public.
According to the bill, the proposed LCDAs are to function under their respective parent LGAs and include:
- Akko North LCDA (from Akko LGA)
- Akko West LCDA (from Akko LGA)
- Balanga South LCDA (from Balanga LGA)
- Billiri West LCDA (from Billiri LGA)
- Dukku North LCDA (from Dukku LGA)
- Funakaye South LCDA (from Funakaye LGA)
- Gombe South LCDA (from Gombe LGA)
- Kaltungo East LCDA (from Kaltungo LGA)
- Kwami West LCDA (from Kwami LGA)
- Nafada South LCDA (from Nafada LGA)
- Pero-Shonge LCDA (from Shongom LGA)
- Yamaltu East LCDA (from Yamaltu/Deba LGA)
- Yamaltu West LCDA (from Yamaltu/Deba LGA)
The Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Mr Abubakar Leggerewo, confirmed that the bill had already passed first and second readings.
Mr Leggerewo explained that the swift legislative action reflected the importance and urgency of the bill, describing it as a people-centred policy aimed at boosting service delivery and grassroots development.
In the meantime, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Zubair Muhammad Umar, highlighted the essential components necessary for its effective implementation, providing critical legal insights into the framework of the proposed LCDAs bill.
He elaborated on the funding mechanisms, staffing structure and institutional frameworks that would guide the functioning of the LCDAs, including clear lines of authority, accountability measures, and coordination with parent LGAs.
Mr Zubair gave assurances to the stakeholders that the bill contained well-defined provisions to guarantee transparency, efficiency and service delivery once enacted.
The Chief Whip of the Gombe State House of Assembly and the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Musa Buba, stressed that the establishment of the LCDAs was constitutionally grounded, citing relevant provisions in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) that empower state assemblies to legislate on the structure and administration of local governments.
While the Constitution recognises only Local Government Areas, LGAs, listed in its First Schedule, Mr Buba explained that states may, through legislation, create administrative subdivisions such as LCDAs to improve governance and service delivery at the grassroots.
“This initiative is about taking governance closer to the people, empowering communities and promoting inclusive development,” he said.
Mr Buba noted that Gombe State was set to follow in the footsteps of other progressive states, such as Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Delta, and Katsina, that have successfully implemented the LCDA model to strengthen local governance and accelerate development.
He further highlighted the alignment of this initiative with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritised inclusive governance and grassroots empowerment.
“By decentralising governance and deepening local engagement, these LCDAs will serve as engines of growth and democratic participation,” Buba said
He stressed that over 90% of stakeholders who participated in the public hearing expressed strong support for the proposed bill while also clarifying that the bill should not be misunderstood as a move to create new local government areas but as a strategic administrative initiative aimed at deepening governance and fast-tracking development at the grassroots level.
He urged groups or individuals with contrary views or limited understanding of the bill’s intent to take time to review the proposed document thoroughly, assuring them that the creation of LCDAs is in the best interest of inclusive governance, equitable development and enhanced public service delivery across all communities.
Mr Buba also gave assurances to the public that all feedback and recommendations gathered during the hearing would be carefully reviewed and integrated into the final version of the bill, noting that subsequent legislative steps would follow to formally establish the 13 LCDAs in a manner that reflects the collective interests and aspirations of the people of Gombe State.
There were presentations of key institutions and stakeholder groups, including the Local Government Service Commission, community development associations, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and professional bodies.