North-East governors back regional airline with ₦30bn fund

The six governors of the North-East states have agreed to contribute ₦5 billion each to purchase two aircraft for a regional air shuttle aimed at improving air travel within the region.

Muhammad Magaji, Gombe State commissioner for finance, disclosed this after a State Executive Council meeting held in Gombe on Wednesday, noting that the plan would be implemented soon.

According to him, the initiative was launched in 2020, when the six states jointly paid ₦69 million in consultancy fees for the establishment of the regional shuttle.

Magaji said Gombe State’s ₦5 billion contribution has been approved and would be paid promptly to meet the agreed deadline.

The ₦30 billion fund, contributed by the six states, will be used to acquire two aircraft that will operate within the North-East and connect the region to other parts of the country. The move, he said, is intended to provide a stable, regionally owned air transport system and reduce reliance on commercial airlines, which often withdraw services from the area.

“Gombe’s ₦5 billion has been approved, and we are going to ensure that the payment is made today (Wednesday) to meet the deadline,” Magaji said.

He explained that the six governors agreed on the need for a North-East regional airline to address persistent air transport challenges in the region.

The states, he said, had the option of borrowing $20 million to purchase the aircraft or contributing ₦5 billion each, with the governors unanimously agreeing on the latter.

“The airline will operate within the North-Eastern states and also fly to other parts of the country,” he said.

Magaji added that the shuttle would open up the region and guarantee a reliable air transport system.

He noted that the region had previously suffered disruptions when airlines suspended or withdrew operations.

“Most times, airlines come into the North-East and, for one reason or another, pull out. With this being our own airline, even if others pull out, it will remain to serve the North-East and other parts of the country,” he said.