Gombe Govt Creates 13 New LCDAs To Strengthen Grassroots Governance

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, yesterday signed into law a bill establishing 13 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state.

The signing ceremony, held at the Government House in Gombe, attracted members of the state executive council, lawmakers, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

Governor Yahaya said the move was consistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, stressing that it was driven by the need to respond to population growth, deepen governance, and bring development closer to the people.

The new LCDAs and their headquarters 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).

Governor Yahaya likened the initiative to the creation of Gombe State in 1996, which he described as a watershed in the history of the North-East. “Like the creation of our dear state nearly three decades ago, these LCDAs will usher in a new era of progress, prosperity and opportunities for our people,” he declared.

He explained that although the establishment of new councils might pose some financial burden, the long-term dividends—including job creation, improved access to public services and enhanced security—would justify the investment.

An interim management committee and a transition technical team, chaired by the deputy governor, will immediately commence the process of setting up administrative structures in the new LCDAs.

With this development, Gombe joins the growing list of states turning to LCDAs as a strategic instrument to expand governance and accelerate rural development.