Communities and heritage
Gombe's history includes farming communities, trade, traditional emirates and chiefdoms. Its communities preserve distinct languages and cultural traditions alongside shared commercial and social connections.
Welcome to Gombe
The Jewel in the Savannah
Get to know Gombe State: its history, communities, local markets and places. This guide is an introduction for visitors, students and residents exploring the state.
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Gombe
- Created
- 1 October 1996
- Local Government Areas
- 11
- Region
- North-East Nigeria
A brief introduction to Gombe
State creation
Gombe State was created from Bauchi State on 1 October 1996. Gombe town serves as the state capital. The state is part of Nigeria's North-East region.
Visit the state government website →State leadership
Executive Governor
Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya
In office since 2019. The Deputy Governor is Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau.
Leadership details checked: 29 September 2026.
Official executive directory →Governors and administrators
-
1996–1998
Joseph Orji
Military Administrator
-
1998–1999
Mohammed Bawa
Military Administrator
-
1999–2003
Abubakar Habu Hashidu
Governor
-
2003–2011
Mohammed Danjuma Goje
Governor
-
2011–2019
Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo
Governor
-
2019–present
Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya
Governor
11 Local Government Areas
Explore the local government areas that make up Gombe State.
- Akko
- Balanga
- Billiri
- Dukku
- Funakaye
- Gombe
- Kaltungo
- Kwami
- Nafada
- Shongom
- Yamaltu/Deba
A diverse community
Gombe is home to many ethnic groups and languages. These are some of the communities represented in the state.
- Fulani
- Tangale
- Tera
- Waja
- Bolewa
- Kanuri
- Jukun
- Tula
- Cham
- Dadiya
- Pero/Shonge
- Longuda
- Kamo
- Kushi
- Wurkun
Areas in and around Gombe town
Neighbourhood and area names you may hear while finding your way around.
- GRA
- Jekadafari
- Pantami
- Bolari
- Tudun Wada
- Herwagana
- Kumbiya-Kumbiya
- Nassarawo
- Arawa
- Tumfure
- Federal Low-cost
- Malam Inna
- BCJ
- Wuro Juli
- Barunde
- Sabon Layi
- Kagarawal
- Dawaki
- Bagadaza
- Kasuwar Mata
Useful Hausa phrases for visitors
These short phrases can help with greetings, shopping and directions.
- Sannu
- Hello / a greeting
- Ina kwana?
- Good morning / how was your night?
- Lafiya
- Well-being / fine
- Na gode
- Thank you
- Don Allah
- Please
- Nawa ne?
- How much is it?
- Ina kasuwa?
- Where is the market?
- Ina hanya?
- Where is the road / way?
- Zan kira ka
- I will call you (speaking to a man)
- A hankali
- Slowly / take it easy
- Barka da zuwa
- Welcome
- Sai anjima
- See you later
Emirates and chiefdoms
Gombe Emirate
Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III is the Emir of Gombe. The emirate is part of the state's traditional and cultural heritage.
Community institutions
Emirates and chiefdoms help preserve local identity, traditions and ceremonies. The examples below are an introduction, rather than a complete official register.
- Gombe Emirate
- Dukku Emirate
- Deba Emirate
- Akko Emirate
- Funakaye Emirate
- Pindiga Emirate
- Kaltungo Chiefdom
- Tangale Chiefdom
- Tula Chiefdom
- Dadiya Chiefdom
- Waja Chiefdom
- Nafada Emirate
Markets and shopping areas
Some places to ask about when exploring local shopping and trade.
- Gombe Main Market
- Pantami Market
- Kasuwar Mata
- BCJ / Baban Kasuwa areas
- Dukku Market
- Kaltungo Market
- Billiri Market
- Deba Market
Location
Open Google Maps →
Gombe State, Nigeria
Gombe is in North-Eastern Nigeria. Open the map to explore the state and plan a route to your destination.
Finding your way around
Transport tips
- Agree on the fare before entering a taxi or keke.
- Plan your route and confirm your destination before setting off.
- Keep your phone charged when moving around town.
- Use landmarks such as Gombe Main Market, Pantami Stadium, GRA, Federal Teaching Hospital or Gombe State University when asking for directions.
Practical tips and local customs
- Choose public meeting places when meeting someone for the first time.
- Inspect products before making payment.
- Before paying for accommodation, check the location, facilities and terms.
- Respect local traditions and religious practices, and ask permission before photographing people or ceremonies.
- Carry drinking water and plan breaks during hot weather.
Explore with Gombe360
This is a general introduction to Gombe State, not an official government directory. Community and neighbourhood lists are illustrative. Office holders and traditional institutions may change; consult official sources for the latest details.