Governors of Nigeria’s six North-East states have announced plans to establish a regional airline to improve the movement of people and goods across the region.
The decision was reached at the 13th meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Saturday.
The forum comprises Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states.
Borno Gov. Babagana Zulum, who chairs the forum, said ₦15.8 billion had been secured as counterpart funding for the proposed North-East Air Shuttle.
Zulum said the remaining funds were expected before the end of the year, with the aim of starting flight operations.
“The establishment of the North East Air Shuttle is a significant step towards improving connectivity within the sub-region, and we look forward to the commencement of these operations soon,” he said.
The governors said the air shuttle would make travel within the region and between the region and other parts of Nigeria faster and easier.
The plan is not new.
In January, the six states had agreed to contribute ₦5 billion each, creating a ₦30 billion fund to buy two aircraft for the proposed airline.
The governors also agreed to work with Green Ville Energy to build more compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas stations across the region.
They said the move would help reduce transport costs, improve logistics and support economic activities.
The forum also committed to developing 10 megawatts of solar power in each of the six states.
Zulum said the region had recorded security improvements, which he attributed to the efforts of the armed forces, security agencies and local communities.
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