LG Autonomy: How Gombe Joint Project Agency Drives Governor Inuwa’s Grassroot Transformation

In Gombe State, a quiet but transformative revolution is unfolding at the grassroot level delivering the long-overdue infrastructural development to communities that had previously been left behind.

At the eart of this transformation is the Gombe State Joint Project Development Agency (GJPDA), an Agency created to bridge the gap between state-level governance and local government needs.

GJPDA has become a catalyst for sustainable development, executing impactful projects that enhance governance, boost economic activities, improve security, and elevate the standard of living across all the eleven LGAs of Gombe State.

From reconstructing aging secretariats to modernizing markets, reinvigorating Emirs and district head palaces and illuminating towns with solar-powered streetlights, the agency is redefining community-focused development in unprecedented ways.

One of GJPDA’s most significant interventions is the comprehensive rehabilitation and reconstruction of four key Local Government Secretariats, strengthening governance and service delivery at the local level. The 48-year-old Akko LGA secretariat and that of Nafada have been completely rebuilt, while Kaltungo and Shongom LG Secretariats have undergone significant upgrades—representing a bold shift toward more durable and future-ready public infrastructure.

The agency has also made remarkable strides in the construction of markets and commercial infrastructure development, fostering a more structured and business-friendly environment to support local economies.

The renovation and modernization of the iconic Idi Shopping Complex in Gombe, market stalls in Kaltungo, and the construction of 66 new shops in Bajoga, Funakaye LGA, have revitalized commercial activities, providing traders with a well-organized and convenient marketplace.

Following the unfortunate crisis that led to the destruction of Kantoma Market in Billiri, Governor Inuwa Yahaya promptly approved its reconstruction and perimeter fencing through the GJPDA. Additionally, the agency is currently fencing the Billiri Grains Market and constructing a police outpost in Amtawalam. The Sansani-Gada Uku Bridge, previously destroyed by floods, has also been reconstructed—reconnecting vital local communities.

Also, in Dukku LGA, the agency is addressing persistent traffic congestion on market days by constructing cattle and grain markets, along with a new motor park, ensuring smoother operations for traders and transporters.

Recognizing the pivotal role of traditional institutions in governance and cultural preservation, the Agency has undertaken the reconstruction of Yamaltu, Funakaye and Gona Emirs palaces. Similarly, in Kwami and Funakaye Local Government Areas, all district heads’ palaces were reconstructed and equipped.

Furthermore, in what can be described as the “Fourth Arm zone” of the Inuwa Yahaya led administration’s strategic three-arm zone—which currently hosts the State Assembly, Judiciary complex and State Secretariat—the Agency is constructing a Secretariat for Gombe State Council of Emirs and Chiefs. This landmark facility will serve as the central administrative hub for traditional institutions across Gombe State, equipped with modern offices and essential amenities to support their leadership responsibilities and preserve their relevance in the contemporary public administration system.

Through the GJPDA, Gombe State has also championed an ambitious electrification drive, bringing sustainable energy solutions to both urban and rural areas. The installation of over 3,000 hybrid solar-powered streetlights across Kwami, Dukku, Yamaltu Deba, Funakaye, and Nafada LGAs has illuminated both major towns and previously disconnected communities such as Gadam Bojude, Malam Sidi, Daban Fulani, Jurara, and Malleri.

New contracts have also been awarded for the fencing and installation of solar streetlights in the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) Market Kwadon in Y/Deba LGA and Installation of Solar street lights in Kumo, Akko LGA, to complement newly constructed township roads.

Meanwhile, in Balanga LGA, where several communities remain unconnected to the national grid, GJPDA is actively exploring alternative energy solutions to bridge the electricity gap and improve energy accessibility.

GJPDA operates on a community-driven model, where projects are initiated based on local government requests and executed through a joint funding arrangement tailored to the financial capacity of each LGA. Importantly, the agency’s interventions do not replace state government projects but rather complement them, ensuring that development reaches every corner of Gombe State equitably.

In line with Inuwa Yahaya’s vision, the Gombe State Joint Project Development Agency, under the leadership of Bldr. Mahmoud Yusuf, PhD, is driving inclusive and sustainable infrastructure development across the state, ensuring that no community is left behind in his transformational agenda.

– Kumo is SA Media to Gombe State Governor