The North East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has announced plans to establish a North-East regional airline aimed at enhancing connectivity across the zone’s six states.
In a statement issued by Hussaini Mai Suleh, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Borno State Governor and NEGF Chairman Babagana Zulum revealed that N15.8 billion in counterpart funding has been secured for the proposed Northeast Air Shuttle.
Mai Suleh noted that Governor Zulum disclosed this development on Saturday during the 13th regular meeting of the NEGF in Maiduguri.
Governor Zulum stated that the remaining counterpart funds are expected to be secured before the end of the year to enable the launch of the regional air shuttle.
He further disclosed that the forum has committed to constructing 10-megawatt solar power facilities in each of the six member states.
Attributing the progress to the efforts of the military, security agencies, and community resilience, Zulum noted that security in the region has improved.
He emphasized that security remains the foundation for development, urging a transition from relief efforts to economic recovery and long-term prosperity.
According to him, the emphasis should be on creating resilient communities by providing displaced people with shelter, healthcare, education, and employment possibilities.
Govs seek action on 17-projcet strategy
Gombe State Governor and Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, highlighted the establishment of the NEGF’s institutional framework—comprising its secretariat, technical committees, and sector working groups—as a key achievement.
Yahaya noted that a 17-project action package, which included key initiatives such as Frontier Oil Exploration and the Maiduguri Rail Corridor, was submitted to President Bola Tinubu in September 2025 for prompt consideration.
He added that the forum has adopted an integrated strategy that pairs military operations with programs targeted at tackling drug abuse, poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, and illegal mining.
The governor further stated that the framework emphasizes strengthening state-level intelligence sharing and deepening community participation.
