The Gombe State Government has submitted a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking the creation of 13 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) from the state’s existing 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
A statement issued on Wednesday by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli, said Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya took the step to strengthen grassroots governance.
He said the decision reflects the governor’s commitment to bringing governance closer to the people, enhancing service delivery, and promoting inclusive and participatory democracy across the state.
Misilli explained that the LCDAs, designed as administrative sub-divisions of existing LGAs, would address local needs in security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social services, especially in rural and underserved areas.
“The LCDAs 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),” he noted.
The 13 proposed LCDAs and their headquarters are: Akko North (Amada), Akko West (Pindiga), Balanga South (Bambam), Billiri West (Tal), Dukku North (Malala), Funakaye South (Tongo), and Gombe South (Bolari).
Others include Kaltungo East (Wange), Kwami West (Bojude), Nafada South (Birin Fulani), Pero-Chonge (Filiya), Yamaltu East (Hinna), and Yamaltu West (Zambuk).
To ensure smooth implementation, the bill proposes the establishment of Interim Management Committees (IMCs) for each LCDA pending substantive local elections. The reform, according to the statement, will be rolled out in phases with operational frameworks, staffing structures, and budgetary provisions from inception.
Governor Yahaya urged the State House of Assembly to give the bill swift and favourable consideration, and called on citizens to embrace and support the initiative, which he said reinforces Gombe’s leadership in inclusive governance and grassroots development in Nigeria.
