NORTH-EAST STATES RAISE N10.8BN FOR REGIONAL AIR SHUTTLE
Read Time:1 Minute, 15 Second
By: Muftau Fatimo
The six North-East states have raised N10.8 billion in counterpart funding for the planned establishment of a regional air shuttle service.
Borno State Governor and Chairman of the North East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), Babagana Zulum, disclosed this on Friday at the opening of the forum’s 10th meeting in Maiduguri.
Zulum said the remaining contributions from the states would be paid before the end of October to pave the way for the commencement of flight operations.
According to him, the North East Air Shuttle is expected to improve connectivity and ease transportation across the region.
He said, “N10.8 billion has been realised as counterpart contributions from the governors of the North-East region. Insha Allah, the remaining counterpart funds shall be received before the end of this month, this year, with a view to actualising our dream of having the North East Air Shuttle.”
The governor urged Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states to continue working together to ensure the smooth take-off of the regional airline.
Zulum also highlighted other development initiatives across the region, including renewed oil exploration activities at the Kolmani oilfield in Bauchi State.
He said the project had the potential to generate employment, boost infrastructure development and increase revenue for host communities.
The governor also welcomed the Federal Government’s $1 billion social protection programme for households in the North-East, noting that it would provide support to communities affected by years of insurgency and displacement.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0