Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has signed into law the Local Council Development Areas (Creation and Administration) Bill, which establishes 13 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state.
The governor, who also chairs the Northern States Governors’ Forum, described the step as a defining milestone in the democratic and administrative evolution of Gombe, aimed at deepening grassroots governance and accelerating development.
With the creation of the LCDAs, the state now has 24 administrative units—comprising its original 11 local government areas and the newly inaugurated 13 councils. Yahaya explained that the reform responds to the state’s growing population, wide geographic spread, and the demand for more responsive governance.
Citing Sections 4(7) and 5(2b) of the Nigerian Constitution, he emphasised the constitutional legitimacy of the reform, saying:
“This move aligns with our constitutional duty to promote equitable development and enhance the welfare and security of our people.”
The governor highlighted long-standing structural imbalances, noting that despite its size and population density, Gombe previously had only 11 LGAs, the second-lowest in the country. He added that the model drew inspiration from Lagos State’s successful LCDAs, with adjustments tailored to Gombe’s unique socio-economic realities.
“We are committed to doing better by tailoring this reform to suit our unique political, social and economic context,” he assured.
Yahaya directed both the existing LGAs and the new LCDAs to prioritise security, basic education, primary healthcare, and agriculture pillars he described as the foundation for building “a prosperous and self-reliant Gombe State.”
To ensure a smooth transition, he announced the formation of interim management committees and a high-powered transition technical committee chaired by the deputy governor. The committee will include representatives of key ministries and institutions such as the Ministry of Justice, Local Government Service Commission, ALGON, and NULGE. An executive order will also be issued to provide legal and operational authority for the committees.
Governor Yahaya expressed gratitude to the Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly for the swift passage of the bill, as well as to traditional, religious, and community leaders for their support. He also acknowledged public goodwill as evidence of a shared commitment between government and citizens.
The newly created LCDAs and their administrative headquarters are:
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Akko North – Amada
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Akko West – Pindiga
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Balanga South – Bambam
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Billiri West – Taal
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Dukku North – Malala
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Funakaye South – Tongo
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Gombe South – Bolari
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Kaltungo East – Wange
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Kwami West – Bojude
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Nafada South – Birin-Fulani
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Pero-Chonge – Filiya
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Yamaltu East – Dadinkowa
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Yamaltu West – Zambuk
