Gombe State Expands Grassroots Governance with 13 New Local Council Development Areas
In a significant move to enhance local administration, Gombe State has successfully established 13 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), marking a major expansion of its grassroots governance structure. This development comes as the state government seeks to bring governance closer to the people and improve service delivery at the community level.
Governor Yahaya Signs Landmark Legislation into Law
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya officially signed the Local Council Development Areas (Creation and Administration) Bill into law on August 25-26, 2025. This legislative action effectively increased the number of administrative units in Gombe State from 11 to 24, representing a substantial reorganization of local governance.
The creation of these new LCDAs is designed to address specific local needs and improve development outcomes across various communities. State officials have emphasized that this expansion will facilitate more effective governance and ensure that resources are distributed more equitably.
List of Newly Created Local Council Development Areas
The 13 newly established LCDAs and their respective 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
- Yamaltu West – Zambuk
These new administrative units are expected to enhance local representation and improve the delivery of essential services to residents across Gombe State.
Federal Bill HB.2506 Seeks Constitutional Recognition
Parallel to the state-level developments, lawmakers at the National Assembly are pursuing HB.2506, a federal bill sponsored by Hon. Usman Bello Kumo and other representatives. This legislation aims to amend the Nigerian Constitution to formally recognize new Local Government Areas in Gombe State.
The successful passage of this bill would make the newly created units eligible for direct federal allocation, providing them with additional financial resources for development projects. However, legal experts note that the constitutional amendment process is more rigorous than state-level administrative changes.
Constitutional Requirements for LGA Recognition
For the new administrative units to achieve full Local Government Area status, they must be included in the First Schedule of the Constitution. According to Section 8(5) of the Constitution, any alteration to this schedule must be passed as a Bill for an Act of the National Assembly.
This distinction highlights the difference between administrative expansion at the state level and the more demanding process of constitutional amendment at the federal level. The creation of LCDAs by the state government represents an immediate administrative reorganization, while federal recognition through HB.2506 would grant these units constitutional status and financial autonomy.
Implications for Grassroots Governance and Development
The establishment of 13 new LCDAs in Gombe State reflects a growing commitment to strengthening grassroots governance across Nigeria. By creating smaller administrative units, the state government aims to:
- Improve local service delivery and development outcomes
- Enhance community participation in governance processes
- Address specific needs of different geographical areas
- Bring government closer to the people
Observers have noted that this move aligns with Section 4(7) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers State Houses of Assembly to legislate for effective governance within their regions. The expansion of local government structures is seen as a positive step toward more responsive and accountable governance at the grassroots level.
National Context of Constitutional Amendments
The developments in Gombe State occur within a broader national context of constitutional review and administrative restructuring. Several bills proposing the creation of new states in Nigeria have successfully passed second reading at the House of Representatives, signaling growing momentum for constitutional amendments aimed at restructuring the country's geopolitical landscape.
The successful scaling of second reading for HB.2506 represents progress in the legislative process, though the bill must still navigate additional stages before becoming law. The outcome of this process will have significant implications for local governance structures across Nigeria.
