North-East Nigerian governors plan regional airline and oil revival

During the 13th regular meeting of the North-East Governors' Forum (NEGF) in Maiduguri, regional leaders announced several strategic initiatives to boost economic integration and security. A primary resolution is the establishment of the ‘North-East Air Shuttle,’ a regional airline intended to improve transportation and connectivity across the six states.

The governors also called on the Federal Government to revive stalled oil exploration projects, specifically citing the Kolmani oil field in Bauchi and prospective areas in Borno’s Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas. They emphasized that renewed energy exploration is vital for job creation and regional revenue.

Security remains a critical concern. Governor Inuwa Yahaya noted that while the Boko Haram insurgency has been weakened, it is not defeated, with banditry and communal clashes emerging as new threats. Simultaneously, the Northern Senators Forum has demanded an immediate military offensive in the Kopre-Sambisa corridor of Adamawa State following insurgent attacks on military battalions that resulted in the deaths of soldiers, a forest guard, and civilians.