Governors of the six North-East states have mobilised ₦10.8 billion towards the establishment of a regional airline designed to improve air connectivity, boost commerce and ease movement across the sub-region.
The Chairman of the North-East Governors’ Forum and Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, disclosed this at the forum’s 13th meeting in Maiduguri.
Zulum said the governors had so far raised ₦10.8 billion as their counterpart contribution, while outstanding commitments from member states are expected to be paid before the end of October.
The proposed North-East Air Shuttle is expected to connect the six states — Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe — while providing links to other parts of the country.
According to the governor, the initiative is expected to strengthen economic integration within the region by facilitating the movement of people, goods, investors and businesses.
The governors had earlier agreed to commit ₦5 billion each, amounting to ₦30 billion, towards the acquisition of two aircraft for the proposed regional airline.
Zulum called on the participating states to fulfil their outstanding financial obligations, stressing that the success of the initiative would depend on collective commitment and sustained cooperation among the states.
The regional airline plan is coming amid renewed efforts by the North-East Governors’ Forum to address infrastructure and transportation challenges confronting the region.
Beyond aviation, the governors also discussed plans to expand CNG and LNG infrastructure and support the deployment of electric tricycles, buses and taxis across the six states.
If successfully implemented, the air shuttle could provide residents and businesses with another transportation option while improving connections between the region’s major cities and economic centres.
