North-East governors endorse regional air shuttle plan

The North-East Governors Forum has endorsed plans to establish a regional air shuttle, with Borno Governor Babagana Zulum saying N15.8 billion had been contributed toward the project. The forum says the service is intended to improve movement of people and goods across its six member states, but the reports do not confirm that flights have begun or identify an operator or launch date. At the forum’s 13th meeting in Maiduguri on October 3, the governors resolved to establish the shuttle as part of efforts to make travel within and between the states faster and easier. The forum comprises Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe. Its communiqué described improved regional transport as a way to strengthen economic activity and the movement of goods. Zulum said Borno had contributed N10.8 billion and Gombe N5 billion, making up the reported N15.8 billion total. He called on the other member states to redeem their commitments. These figures were reported as statements by the governor; the material available does not include payment records establishing how much has been received or what remains outstanding.