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The North-East Governors’ Forum says ₦10.8 billion has been raised as counterpart funding for the proposed North East Air Shuttle.
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Forum chairman and Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, says the outstanding contributions will be paid before the end of October.
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The proposed regional airline is expected to improve air connectivity across Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states.
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Zulum urges the six state governments to consolidate their commitments and work together to ensure the airline takes off as planned.
October 09, (THEWILL) – The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has committed ₦10.8 billion in counterpart funding towards the establishment of a regional airline, with the governors targeting October for the completion of outstanding contributions and the commencement of flight operations.
The chairman of the forum and Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, disclosed this during the opening ceremony of the 10th meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri.
Zulum said the six states in the region contributed the sum of ₦10.8 billion through counterpart contributions, adding that the outstanding funds would be remitted before the end of October to facilitate the take-off of the proposed carrier, named the North East Air Shuttle.
He described the initiative as a significant step towards improving transportation links across the sub-region, expressing optimism that flight operations would commence soon.
“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”, Zulum said.
He urged the six member states to consolidate their financial commitments and work collectively to ensure the smooth take-off of the regional airline.
The proposed carrier is expected to improve movement between states in the North-East, reduce dependence on road transportation for some journeys and facilitate business, trade and other economic activities across the region.
The initiative also represents an effort by the state governments to strengthen regional cooperation through a shared transportation project, particularly in a sub-region where distances between major cities and commercial centres can make road travel lengthy.
However, the governors have yet to announce specific operational details, including the airline’s fleet, proposed routes, ownership and management structure, ticket prices and the exact date for the commencement of commercial flights.
Background
The North-East comprises Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states. Its vast geographical spread and transportation challenges have made improved connectivity an important consideration for regional economic development.
The region has also endured years of insurgency and insecurity, particularly in parts of Borno and neighbouring states, disrupting economic activities, displacing communities and complicating movement in affected areas.
A regional airline could provide an additional transportation option for businesspeople, government officials, investors and other travellers, while supporting commerce and improving access to services across the six states.
The North East Air Shuttle is being pursued through financial cooperation among the governors, with the ₦10.8 billion raised marking a major funding milestone. The governors say the outstanding contributions are expected before the end of October, although the actual commencement of operations will depend on the completion of the necessary funding and operational arrangements.
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