Governors of the six North-East states have resolved to establish a regional air shuttle aimed at improving the movement of people and goods within and outside the subregion.
Gatekeepers News reports that the decision was announced after the 13th meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), held in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Saturday. The forum comprises Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states.
Borno State Governor and chairman of the forum, Babagana Zulum, said N15.8 billion had been secured as counterpart funding for the proposed North-East Air Shuttle. He added that the remaining funds were expected before the end of the year, with the aim of commencing flight operations.
Zulum described the proposed air shuttle as a significant step towards improving connectivity across the region and facilitating easier movement of people and goods.
The governors had earlier agreed in January to contribute N5 billion each, creating a planned N30 billion fund to acquire two aircraft for the proposed regional airline.
The latest development is therefore an advancement of an earlier plan to establish a North-East regional carrier. Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe also identified the regional airline project as one of the outcomes of cooperation among the six states.
The forum said the air shuttle would make inter- and intra-regional transportation faster and easier, while also supporting economic activities across the subregion.
The governors also agreed to partner with Green Ville Energy to establish more compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) stations across the region. The initiative is intended to reduce transportation costs, strengthen logistics and stimulate economic activities.
In addition, the forum reaffirmed plans to develop 10 megawatts of solar power in each of the six states as part of efforts to improve electricity supply and expand access to renewable energy.
The Governors also welcomed federal support through the North-East Development Commission for the provision of 10,000 electric tricycles, 10 electric buses and 300 electric taxis, expected to be launched in October.
The regional airline plan is one of several initiatives being pursued by the governors to improve transportation, energy supply, infrastructure and economic integration across the North-East.
