The Gombe State House of Assembly has officially commenced public hearings on a landmark bill aimed at establishing 13 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state.
The legislation, which was submitted to the House by Governor Inuwa Yahaya only three days ago, has already passed both the first and second readings, signaling the urgency and importance the state government attaches to it.
Speaking during the opening of the hearings, the Speaker of the House, Abubakar Luggerewo, explained that the purpose of the exercise is to provide a platform for stakeholders, including community leaders, legal experts, and civil society groups, to offer their input.
“This public hearing is essential to gather diverse perspectives and insights, which will help strengthen the bill and ensure it serves the interests of all residents,” Luggerewo stated.
The Speaker described the proposed creation of 13 LCDAs from the existing 11 local government areas as a people-focused initiative designed to fast-track development at the grassroots level.
According to him, the bill is intended not only to decentralize administrative functions but also to ensure more efficient and transparent utilization of state resources.
“This legislation will bring government services closer to the people, promote equitable development, and improve the overall quality of life for residents,” he emphasized.
Musa Buba, the Chief Whip and Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, highlighted the constitutional basis of the bill.
He explained that, while the Nigerian Constitution formally recognizes only local government areas as listed in Part I of the First Schedule, the proposed LCDAs will be established through state legislation as administrative units operating under their respective parent local governments.
“These new administrative units are not intended to replace existing local government councils,” Buba clarified, “but to enhance governance by making it more accessible and responsive to the needs of the people.
They are designed to promote good governance, maintain peace and order, ensure equitable development, and enhance service delivery at the grassroots level.”
He further noted that the bill aligns with powers granted to state governments under Sections 4(7), 5(2)(a) and (b), and 100(1)-(3) of the Constitution (as amended).
Despite broad support for the initiative, some concerns were raised during the hearings. Umar Gurama, a retired permanent secretary and legal practitioner, cautioned that the bill contains certain contradictions that must be carefully examined.
Gurama highlighted that the concept of devolving local government powers to smaller administrative units has historical precedence in the state.
“Similar structures were tested by the military government in 1989 and 1991, and the results demonstrated that these units can function effectively when properly managed,” he noted.
The hearings are expected to continue over the coming days, with stakeholders providing feedback on how to address potential legal and administrative challenges.
Once finalized, the bill is anticipated to significantly strengthen governance at the grassroots level, increase citizen participation in local administration, and accelerate development across Gombe State.