In a move aimed at bringing government closer to the people and speeding up grassroots development, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has signed a bill into law establishing 13 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state.
The bill, which was passed by the Gombe State House of Assembly, was signed on Monday at a ceremony held at the Government House in Gombe. The creation of the new LCDAs is expected to expand administrative coverage, improve service delivery, and create opportunities in fast-growing communities across the state.
Governor Yahaya said the creation of the LCDAs is in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, and that the decision was carefully considered to meet the growing needs of the state’s population.
“We took this step not for political reasons, but in response to the growing demand for development, inclusion, and improved governance,” the governor said.
He explained that the increasing population and expansion of settlements in the state made it necessary to decentralise governance and make local administration more efficient.
The newly created LCDAs and their administrative headquarters are as follows:
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
Yamaltu West – Zambuk
With this development, Gombe joins several other Nigerian states that have introduced LCDAs to improve local governance and promote development in underserved areas.
Governor Yahaya acknowledged that setting up new LCDAs would come with financial costs, but insisted that the long-term gains far outweigh the 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.
He added that the new councils would lead to job creation, improved security, better access to education, healthcare, and rural infrastructure, and help bridge the gap between rural and urban areas.
He also noted that decentralisation would give communities a stronger voice in local governance, promote accountability, and help reduce rural-urban migration by ensuring that development reaches every corner of the state.
To ensure a smooth take-off, the governor announced the formation of an Interim Management Committee and a Transition Technical Team, which will oversee the setup and structure of the new LCDAs.
The team will be led by Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, and will work closely with local stakeholders, traditional rulers, and existing local government authorities.
The committee’s tasks include setting up administrative offices, staffing, budget planning, and integrating the LCDAs into the state’s broader development framework.
“This is a new beginning. We are counting on our traditional institutions, community leaders, and residents to support this bold step,” the governor added.
The creation of LCDAs has become a common trend in many Nigerian states, especially where population growth and urban expansion have made existing local governments overstretched.
While some critics argue that LCDAs are expensive to maintain and may lead to duplication of responsibilities, supporters say they are vital for promoting grassroots democracy and delivering basic services efficiently.
