North-East Governors Raise ₦10.8bn for Regional Air Shuttle

The North-East Governors’ Forum has raised ₦10.8 billion in counterpart funding as part of efforts to establish a regional air shuttle connecting the six states in Nigeria’s North-East. Chairman of the forum and Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, disclosed the development during the opening of the forum’s meeting in Maiduguri.

According to Zulum, the funds were contributed by the governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states. He said the remaining counterpart contributions are expected to be remitted before the end of October, with the aim of moving toward the commencement of flight operations.

The proposed North-East Air Shuttle is intended to improve movement between the six states, making regional travel faster and easier for residents, businesses and government officials. The initiative is being presented as part of a broader effort by the governors to strengthen economic integration and infrastructure across the sub-region.

However, details such as the proposed airline’s ownership structure, aircraft fleet, operating partner, specific routes and passenger capacity have not yet been publicly disclosed.

The aviation plan comes alongside several other regional development initiatives discussed at the governors’ meeting. These include plans for 10-megawatt solar power plants in each of the six states, expansion of livestock value chains and increased investment in transportation infrastructure.

The forum also announced plans to work with Green Ville Energy to expand compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas stations across the region, with the stated aim of reducing transportation costs and supporting economic activity.

The governors also welcomed support from the North-East Development Commission for the provision of electric mobility vehicles, including 10,000 electric tricycles, 10 electric buses and 300 electric taxis, which are expected to be launched in October.

If implemented, the regional air shuttle could provide another transportation option for the six North-East states and potentially reduce the time required for inter-state travel. The immediate focus, however, remains on completing the outstanding funding commitments and putting the necessary operational arrangements in place.