Gombe State’s Bold Move Towards Decentralized Governance: Creation of 13 Local Council Development Areas
Gombe State, under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, has embarked on a significant restructuring of its local governance system, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s administrative evolution. The governor signed into law a bill establishing 13 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), expanding the number of grassroots administrative units from 11 to 24. This move is hailed as a historic step towards bringing governance closer to the people and addressing the developmental needs of underserved communities. The creation of these LCDAs is rooted in the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers state assemblies to enact laws for effective governance. Governor Yahaya emphasized the importance of this restructuring, noting that Gombe’s limited number of LGAs, despite its considerable landmass and population, hindered access to essential services for many citizens and created ungoverned spaces that contributed to insecurity. The establishment of the LCDAs is seen as a corrective measure to address these challenges.
The new administrative units are strategically positioned across the state to ensure broader coverage and improved service delivery. They 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 selection of these locations reflects the government’s commitment to reaching remote areas and ensuring that all citizens have access to essential services and opportunities. Governor Yahaya has emphasized the need for the new LCDAs, as well as existing LGAs, to prioritize key sectors crucial for grassroots development: security, basic education, primary healthcare, and agriculture. These sectors are considered the foundation upon which a prosperous and secure Gombe State will be built.
The governor highlighted the rationale behind the creation of the LCDAs, explaining that Gombe’s existing 11 local government areas were insufficient to cater to its growing population and vast geographical expanse. He pointed out that Gombe, with its larger landmass and population than several other states, had fewer LGAs, creating an imbalance that hindered development and service delivery. This structural deficiency led to a lack of access to essential government services for many communities and exacerbated security challenges by creating ungoverned spaces. The LCDAs are intended to rectify this imbalance and bring governance closer to the people, ensuring more equitable distribution of resources and better security.
The governor acknowledged concerns regarding the financial implications of establishing the new LCDAs. However, he emphasized that the long-term benefits of improved governance, enhanced service delivery, and increased security would far outweigh the costs. He drew a parallel with the creation of Gombe State itself, arguing that while initially costly, it ultimately led to significant progress. Similarly, he believes the establishment of LCDAs will usher in a new era of development for the state. The governor emphasized that the initiative draws inspiration from the Lagos LCDA model, which has demonstrated the effectiveness of decentralized governance. However, the Gombe framework incorporates adaptations to suit the specific political, social, and economic realities of the state. This tailored approach ensures that the LCDAs are effectively integrated into the state’s unique context.
To facilitate a seamless transition, a high-powered Transition Technical Committee has been established. Chaired by the Deputy Governor, the committee comprises representatives from the state executive, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), the local government service, and civil society organizations. This diverse composition ensures comprehensive input and broad-based support for the implementation process. An Executive Order is forthcoming to provide the committee with the necessary legal authority to carry out its mandate. The governor commended the support received from traditional rulers, community leaders, and political stakeholders, acknowledging their crucial role in ensuring the smooth implementation of the LCDAs.
The creation of the 13 LCDAs marks a significant shift towards decentralized governance in Gombe State. This move is expected to bring government closer to the people, improve service delivery, enhance security, and create more opportunities for all citizens. The establishment of these new administrative units is a testament to the government’s commitment to inclusive development and responsive governance. The initiative promises a new era of progress and prosperity for Gombe State, with a focus on grassroots empowerment and equitable distribution of resources. The success of this endeavor will hinge on effective implementation, collaboration among stakeholders, and a commitment to ensuring that the LCDAs truly serve the needs of the communities they represent. The governor has expressed confidence in the process and the potential of the LCDAs to transform the landscape of local governance in Gombe State.
