The governors of the six North-East states have agreed to establish a regional air shuttle to facilitate faster and easier movement of people and goods within the region. This decision was made during the 13th meeting of the North-East Governors' Forum held in Maiduguri, Borno State. The forum, comprising Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states, aims to reduce transportation costs and improve economic activities in the region. The planned air shuttle is expected to boost inter- and intra-regional movement. The meeting was chaired by Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum.
In addition to the air shuttle, the governors have partnered with Green Ville Energy to expand Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) stations across the region. This partnership aims to ease the cost of transportation, strengthen logistics, and open the region to more economic activities. The governors believe that increasing the number of CNG and LNG stations will provide an alternative to traditional fuels and reduce transportation costs. The development of these energy sources is expected to have a positive impact on the regional economy.
The North-East Governors' Forum has welcomed the federal government's support through the North-East Development Commission (NEDC). The NEDC is set to provide 10,000 electric tricycles, 10 electric buses, and 300 electric taxis, which are expected to be launched in October. The forum has expressed appreciation for the federal government's renewed attention to key infrastructure projects, including the Port Harcourt–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Maiduguri rail corridor and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri highway. These projects are expected to improve transportation and connectivity in the region.
The governors have also called for the completion and take-off of the Mambila Hydropower Project. They urged the Federal Government to take advantage of the recent resolution of the legal dispute surrounding the project. The forum noted that the Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant had commenced feeding the national grid and encouraged member states to exploit opportunities provided by the new electricity law and the region's abundant sunshine to expand solar and mini-grid solutions. The development of these energy sources is crucial for the region's economic growth.
On education, the governors have called for increased investment by the North-East Development Commission, including the release of long-awaited scholarship awards to indigent students across the subregion. They also urged greater efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children and provide coordinated support for Tsangaya education. The governors acknowledged NEDC interventions in the subregion but called for additional resources to address the region's educational challenges. Improving education is essential for the region's development.
The North-East Governors' Forum has described the region's young population as both "an enormous opportunity and a responsibility." The forum has pledged to prioritize youth development and provide opportunities for young people to contribute to the region's growth. The governors believe that investing in the region's youth is crucial for its future development and prosperity. They have called for a collaborative effort to address the region's challenges and harness its potential.
The forum has also urged the federal government to revisit oil exploration activities in Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas of Borno State. The governors welcomed attention to frontier oil exploration at Kolmani but expressed concern about the stalled exploration activities in other areas. They emphasized the need for the federal government to support the region's economic development through various initiatives. The region's natural resources are crucial for its economic growth and development.
Key points
- The North-East Governors' Forum has agreed to establish a regional air shuttle to facilitate faster and easier movement of people and goods.
- The governors have partnered with Green Ville Energy to expand CNG and LNG stations across the region.
- The forum has welcomed the federal government's support through the North-East Development Commission, including the provision of electric vehicles and infrastructure projects.
