The Gombe State Executive Council, SEC, has approved the sum of N5 billion as the state’s contribution towards the establishment of the North-East Air Shuttle, a proposed regional airline to be jointly owned by the six states in the North-East.
The states had earlier agreed to collectively raise N30 billion for the project, with each state contributing N5 billion towards the acquisition of two aircraft.
The initiative is aimed at improving air connectivity within the sub-region and enhancing links with other parts of the country.
Briefing journalists after the council meeting in Gombe, the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Muhammad Gambo Magaji, said the approval was to enable the state meet the agreed deadline for the project.
According to him, the N5 billion represents Gombe State’s commitment, as agreed by the governors of the North-Eastern states, to float a regional airline that will improve interconnectivity within and beyond the sub-region, while also stimulating economic development.
Other Initiatives
He stated that the 51st SEC meeting, presided over by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, also approved several other initiatives aimed at strengthening education, infrastructure and other critical sectors of the state’s economy.
The state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr. Mijinyawa Tilde, said the approvals cut across the Ministries of Education, Works, Housing and Transport, as well as the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.
Speaking on approvals for her ministry, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Aishatu Umar Maigari, disclosed that the council approved N661,557,121 for the payment of Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) fees for 23,873 students across the state.
She explained that the beneficiaries emerged from a mock examination conducted for 26,857 candidates, out of whom 88 per cent scored 50 per cent and above, thereby qualifying for government-sponsored examination support.
“A breakdown shows that 21,909 students will sit for WAEC, 1,431 for NABTEB and 297 for NBAIS. The list also includes 183 non-indigene students on exchange programmes in the state and 53 students with special needs, reflecting the inclusive policy of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya,” she said.
Dr. Maigari further stated that the payment would be jointly funded by the state government and the 11 local government councils, in a 60-40 cost-sharing ratio.
She noted that the intervention forms part of the governor’s strategy to remove financial barriers to education, improve academic outcomes and position Gombe State as a leading centre of learning in the North-East.
On infrastructure, the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Mr. Maijama’a Kallamu, announced several approvals targeted at expanding the road network and upgrading key public facilities.
Mr. Kallamu said the council approved the construction of 6.3 kilometres of road within the newly developed Family Homes Estate, extending to connect inner suburbs of Northern Tumfure, at a cost of N7.097 billion.
According to him, approval was also granted for the construction and reconstruction of multiple strategic roads with a total of 20.1 kilometres, at a cost of N26.7 billion.
The roads include a new route from ATC Gombe linking the GSU Express Road; the reconstruction of Layin.
Speaker Road and its extension to Kasuwan Mata Road; and additional roads within the Special Capital Development Zone, including the extension of the new express road from the Federal Teaching Hospital, FTH, through the new State Secretariat Complex under construction, passing through Shongo Housing Estate and linking up with the Western Bypass, Rumbuna Road.
Mr. Kallamu also announced the approval of N714,366,691 for the provision of roads and other essential facilities at the Qatar Foundation site along the Southern Bypass, as well as N202.6 million for the construction of a Gombe Geographic Information Systems (GOGIS) area office in the Shehu Abubakar District.
Airport Upgrade
On the upgrade of the Gombe International Airport, Lawanti, the commissioner disclosed that N669,982,913 had been approved for renovation works, including the construction of a new administrative block, modern toilet facilities and other upgrades to bring the airport in line with international standards.
He noted that since the airport was constructed in 2005 and became operational in 2008, it had not undergone comprehensive maintenance, leaving many facilities obsolete.
He stressed that, as a major gateway into the state, the airport must reflect the vision of Gombe State as a modern, safe and investor-friendly destination.
The Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Muhammad Gambo Magaji, announced the approval of N321 million for the payment of compensation to property owners affected by the construction of an underpass and other road projects within the Special Development Zone.
He clarified reports concerning compensation to landowners at Jauro Abare, where the state government is constructing an international livestock and grains market. He said the initial compensation approved was N129 million, but following public concerns, Governor Inuwa Yahaya approved an additional N140.8 million as a compassionate payment to increase the compensation.
Mr. Magaji further disclosed that the council approved N2.1 billion for the purchase of 26 operational and security vehicles for the newly created 13 Local Council Development Areas, which are expected to commence operations in January 2026.