Governors of the six states in the North-East of Nigeria, have agreed to contribute N5 billion each for the acquisition of two aircraft to establish a regional air shuttle aimed at improving air transportation within the region.
The decision was disclosed on Wednesday by the Gombe State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Muhammad Magaji, following a State Executive Council meeting in Gombe.
Mr Magaji said the council approved N5 billion as Gombe State’s contribution to the project, noting that the funds would be released immediately to meet the agreed timeline.
He explained that the regional airline initiative dates back to 2020, when the six North-East states jointly paid N69 million for consultancy services for the proposed shuttle.
According to him, the governors agreed on the need for a regional airline to address persistent transportation challenges in the North-East.
“Each state will contribute N5 billion, bringing the total investment to N30 billion for the purchase of two aircraft that will operate within the region and other parts of the country.”
Mr Magaji added that while the governors initially considered borrowing $20 million to fund the project, they eventually opted for direct financial contributions from the states.
He said the airline would provide stability in air transport, as commercial airlines frequently suspend or withdraw services from the region.
“This will be our own airline, dedicated to serving the North-East and other parts of the country, without the uncertainty we currently face,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Gombe State Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transportation, Usman Kallamu, said the council also approved N669 million for the upgrade of facilities at the Gombe State Airport in the Lawanti community.
Mr Kallamu explained that the airport, constructed in 2005 and inaugurated in 2008, has not undergone any major upgrade.
The approved project will include renovation works and the construction of new facilities such as an administrative block and modern toilet facilities to replace outdated infrastructure.
