Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya signed into law a bill establishing 13 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state on Monday. He described the move as a historic milestone aimed at deepening grassroots governance and accelerating equitable development.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at Government House, Gombe, Governor Yahaya said the LCDAs were created to complement the state’s existing 11 local government areas and bring government closer to the people.
He listed the new LCDAs and their headquarters to include Akko North (Amada), Akko West (Pindiga), Balanga South (Bambam), Billiri West (Taal), Dukku North (Malala), Funakaye South (Tongo), Gombe South (Bolari), Kaltungo East (Wange), Kwami West (Bojude), Nafada South (Birin-Fulani), Pero-Chonge (Filiya), Yamaltu East (Dadinkowa), and Yamaltu West (Zambuk).
The governor explained that the initiative was guided by provisions of the 1999 Constitution and inspired by the need to address population growth, administrative imbalance, and development gaps across the state.
Yahaya added that the new structures would serve as “catalysts for development, ensuring rapid service delivery and stronger citizen participation in governance.”
While acknowledging concerns about the cost of creating the new councils, the governor maintained that the long-term benefits, such as job creation, improved access to services, and enhanced security, far outweigh initial expenses. “Like the creation of Gombe State in 1996, these LCDAs will usher in a new era of progress for our communities and the state at large,” he said.
The governor further directed all local governments and the newly created LCDAs to focus on four priority sectors: security, basic education, primary healthcare, and agriculture, which he described as the foundation of meaningful grassroots development. Interim management committees and a transition technical team led by the deputy governor will oversee their smooth take-off.
Earlier in his welcome address, the secretary to the state government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, described the development as a “significant milestone in Gombe’s journey towards grassroots development.”
He commended the governor for his visionary leadership and the State Assembly for its diligence in passing the bill.
Njodi urged the new councils to embrace proactive governance, prudent financial management, and effective community engagement to deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by top government officials, traditional and religious leaders, legislators, and other dignitaries.
