Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has signed into law a bill establishing 13 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), describing the move as a historic step to strengthen grassroots governance and promote equitable development.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on Monday at Government House, Gombe, Yahaya said the new councils will complement the state’s existing 11 local government areas and bring government closer to the people.
The newly created LCDAs and their headquarters are: 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).
The governor said the initiative was guided by constitutional provisions and driven by the need to address population growth, administrative imbalance, and development gaps. He noted that the LCDAs would serve as “catalysts for development” by improving service delivery, creating jobs, and enhancing security.
“Like the creation of Gombe State in 1996, these LCDAs will usher in a new era of progress for our communities,” Yahaya said, while directing the councils to prioritise security, basic education, primary healthcare, and agriculture. Interim committees and a transition team led by the deputy governor will oversee their take-off.
Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, described the development as a milestone in grassroots development and commended both the governor and the State Assembly for their roles in the process.
The signing ceremony was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, legislators, and other dignitaries.
