In his continued efforts to engage with critical stakeholders to secure strategic partnerships to boost Gombe State’s investment capacity and improve governance standards to address local challenges, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, led a high-level delegation to the headquarters of the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) in Rabat, Morocco.
During the landmark visit, Governor Inuwa Yahaya emphasized his administration’s commitment to empowering local governments as a cornerstone of his developmental agenda, saying the success of his programmes hinges on the robust functioning of local administrations, which are the closest tier of government to the people.
“In Gombe State, we recognize that local governments are pivotal in delivering essential services and promoting grassroots development. Since 2019 when we took over, my administration has been resolute in ensuring that the local governments operate with the autonomy required to address local needs effectively. This partnership with UCLG Africa marks a significant step towards actualizing our vision of progressive, responsive, and accountable local governance,” Governor Inuwa stated.
A key outcome of the visit was Gombe State’s target to pilot the African Territorial Investment Agency (ATIA), a concept initiated by UCLG Africa. This initiative, in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), aims to enhance the investment capacity of African cities and subnational governments through bond issuance in the financial market. The objective is to prepare these entities to access up to €4 million in financing for critical infrastructure projects.
Governor Yahaya expressed the state’s intention to access a part of the grant under the African Capital of Quantum program by UCLG Africa. This grant, earmarked for critical infrastructure projects, comes with substantial technical support and capacity-building initiatives designed to bolster local government administration.
During the meeting, Barr. Sani Ahmad Haruna, Chairman of Gombe Local Government and the state chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), informed UCLG Africa officials of the commitment to registering local governments in Gombe State with the global body. This registration is expected to unlock a range of support and resources, including capacity-building and technical assistance.
The Secretary-General of UCLG Africa, Jean-Pierre Elong Mbassi, praised the proactive approach of the Gombe State delegation. “This is just the beginning of a partnership that we believe will yield significant benefits for the people of Gombe and Nigeria in general,” Mbassi remarked, assuring the delegation of UCLG Africa’s partnership and support in achieving Gombe State’s developmental goals.
Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General
( Press Affairs)
Government House
Gombe
