Governors of the six North-East states have raised ₦10.8 billion as counterpart funding for the establishment of a regional airline.
Chairman of the North-East Governors’ Forum and Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, disclosed this on Friday at the opening of the 10th meeting of the forum in Maiduguri.
Zulum said the remaining contributions would be remitted before the end of October to enable the immediate commencement of operations of the proposed North-East Air Shuttle.
He urged the governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe to consolidate their commitments and work together to ensure the smooth take-off of the regional carrier.
“The establishment of the North-East Air Shuttle is a significant step towards improving connectivity within the sub-region,” Zulum said.
The governor also highlighted several economic and development initiatives targeted at transforming the region.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for the resumption of oil exploration at the Kolmani oilfield in Bauchi State, saying the project could boost employment, infrastructure and revenue for host communities.
Zulum also welcomed the Federal Government’s $1 billion Household Prosperity and Economic Social Protection Project for the North-East, describing it as critical to moving the region from humanitarian relief to sustainable economic recovery after years of insurgency and displacement.
On security, he acknowledged improvements in the region, attributing the progress to the sacrifices of the armed forces, cooperation among states and non-kinetic initiatives such as the Safe Corridor programme.
However, he warned that security remained essential to achieving meaningful economic development, improved healthcare and better education.
The forum also reaffirmed plans to establish 10-megawatt solar power plants in each of the six states, while member states are working with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to modernise livestock production, animal healthcare and processing.
Zulum further commended the North-East Development Commission for procuring nearly 10,000 electric vehicles and e-tricycles, which are expected to be officially launched by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The governors also agreed to strengthen agricultural off-taking, storage and processing systems to reduce post-harvest losses and increase the value of farm produce.
Zulum urged the governors to move beyond policy discussions and deliver tangible results to residents across the region.
“Our people expect results,” he said, listing improved security, roads, schools, hospitals, jobs and stronger local economies among the priorities.