…cites large population, high economic potential, security, devt as bases for request
From Khalid Idris Doya, Bauchi
The people of Burra District of Ningi Local Government have renewed their call for the creation of Burra Local Government Area out of the present Ningi Local Government Area in Bauchi State.
A delegation from the community submitted a memorandum to the House of Representatives Committee on the Amendment of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, reiterating a demand that dates back over five decades.
Leading the delegation at a public hearing organised by the Committee in Gombe, Alhaji Zakari Hussaini Burra, stated that the quest for the creation of Burra Local Government began more than 50 years ago, driven by the belief that a local government status would bring about the rapid economic and social transformation of the area.
The presentation follows a similar submission made just a week earlier to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendment during its public hearing in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Burra, according to the memorandum, is one of oldest districts in Nigeria without local government status. Established in a1902. It is the farthest major town from Ningi, the Local Government Headquarters, located over 111 kilometers away. It shares borders with six local government areas across Bauchi, Kano and Jigawa include Takai, Sumaila, Tudun Wada, and Doguwa in Kano State; Toro in Bauchi State; and Birnin Kudu in Jigawa State.
Alhaji Zakari noted that the long distance from Burra, and Ningi LGA headquarters and the Bauchi State capital (a combined 211 kilometers) has led to major security and administrative challenges that have stunted the area’s economic growth.
He revealed that Burra District had a population of 173,112 as of the 2006 census, with a projected increase to 340,987 by 2025, based on an annual growth rate of 3.7%.
The proposed Burra Local Government would comprise five village head areas, Burra, Kurmi, Sama, Kyata, and Bashe, encompassing over 300 villages and hamlets. Covering 2,348 square kilometers, the district is known for its vast agricultural potential, rich natural resources, and historical significance.
“Burra is blessed with fertile land, abundant rainfall, and a hardworking population,” he stated, highlighting its agricultural strength in crops like maize, millet, beans, and rice, as well as livestock and mineral deposits including tin, gypsum, columbite, and gemstones.
He also mentioned the presence of the Lame-Burra Game Reserve, second only to the Yankari Game Reserve in size and potential, which could boost tourism and revenue generation if fully developed.
Alhaji Zakari added that Burra has a pool of experienced professionals ready to serve in the proposed local government if created.
He appealed to the National Assembly to grant the long-awaited request so the people of Burra can finally experience meaningful governance and development.
Responding, the Chairman of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendment for the Northeast, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, assured the delegation that their request would receive serious attention.
He promised to push for the realisation of the proposed Burra Local Government Area.
