To address the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and to create a more sustainable and equitable urban environment, a taskforce committee, formed to implement Executive Order No. 4 signed by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya in 2020, on Wednesday met with the Chairmen of Akko, Yamaltu Deba, Kwami, and Gombe Local Government Councils to facilitate smooth implementation.
Addressing newsmen on the intent and purpose of Executive Order No. 4, the Executive Chairman, Gombe State Urban and Planning Development Authority (GOSUPDA), Alh. Bappayo Samanja Maudo explained that all lands within a 20-kilometer radius from the headquarters of Gombe Local Government are designated as urban areas.
The Executive Chairman also added that lands within a 15-kilometer radius from the headquarters of all local government areas in the State are equally designated as urban areas, with a 10-kilometer radius around major towns within each Local Government Council.
“From the commencement of this order, it shall not be lawful for any Local Government council to grant any right of occupancy to any person over any undeveloped land specified in sections 2 and 3 of the Executive Order”, he noted.
Maudo stressed that Executive Order No. 4, signed by Governor Inuwa Yahaya, is based on the Land Use Act of 1978, which grants state governors control and management of all land within their respective states.
He clarified that Executive Order No. 4 aims to expand the developmental radius of Gombe metropolis and is not intended to adjust territorial boundaries.
Also speaking, the Director-General, Gombe Geographic Information System (GOGIS), Dr. Kabiru Usman Hassan, lamented the proliferation of indiscriminate settlements, which has led the state government to spend significant amounts on compensation during road construction projects.
He explained that Executive Order No. 4, consented to by Governor Inuwa Yahaya, is designed to expand physical development, address indiscriminate and unplanned settlement, and provide opportunities for a larger number of communities to benefit from urbanization.
Earlier speaking, the ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Gombe LGA, Barrister Sani Ahmad Haruna, said that the expansion of the metropolitan area to a 20-kilometer radius from the center of the state capital is a commendable gesture that will provide the newly covered areas with opportunities to benefit from development projects, just like those living in the heart of the metropolis.
In their separate responses at various locations marking the metropolitan boundaries in their respective LGAs, the Chairmen of Yamaltu Deba, Kwami, and Akko LGAs – Hon. Abubakar Hassan Difa, Hon. Ahmed Wali Doho, and Muhammad Danladi Adamu, respectively – applauded Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s foresight in investing in both urban and rural infrastructure.
“With this new commitment, several communities from the affected LGAs will benefit from numerous development projects,” they noted, assuring full support for the implementation of the order.
The chairmen clarified that the executive order does not alter the established local government boundaries but aims to ensure proper urban development in Gombe metropolis and other designated urban areas.
“Executive Order No. 4, signed by His Excellency, focuses on urbanization and urban development. It does not alter the historical territories or constitutional provisions that demarcate local government boundaries,” they clarified.
They urged residents of the affected areas to comply with the new order, assuring that the Inuwa administration remains committed to delivering quality governance and improving the lives of the people.
