In a significant move aimed at enhancing connectivity and development in the region, the North-East Governors Forum (NEGF) has announced the establishment of an air shuttle service named North-East Air. This initiative was unveiled during their 13th regular meeting held in Maiduguri, Borno State, on October 3, 2026.

Chaired by Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the meeting brought together governors from various states, including Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, and deputy governors from Bauchi and Yobe states. The absence of the Taraba governor and his deputy was noted during the discussions.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Governor Fintiri read out an 11-point communique that emphasized the governors' commitment to unity and collaboration on pressing issues affecting the North-East. The forum acknowledged the achievements made since its inception in March 2020, particularly highlighting the unity among member states that has led to tangible infrastructural developments.

One of the key points in the communique was the appreciation of President Muhammadu Buhari for his attention to critical infrastructure projects, including the Port Harcourt–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe-Maiduguri rail corridor and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri highway. The governors called on the federal government to revisit stalled exploration activities in Borno State’s Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas.

The forum also recognized the progress made in the energy sector, noting the Dadinkowa hydropower plant's contribution to the national grid. It encouraged member states to leverage the new electricity law and the region's solar potential to enhance energy access.

In addition, the NEGF expressed its ongoing concern regarding the Mambila Hydro power plant and urged the federal government to expedite its completion following a recent legal resolution. The governors also highlighted the need for increased investment in education, particularly for indigent students, and called for efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children.

To improve transportation and logistics, the NEGF announced a partnership with Green Ville Energy to establish more Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) stations across the region. They also acknowledged the federal government's support in providing electric vehicles to ease transportation burdens.

While the governors commended the successes in combating insurgency, they recognized the ongoing humanitarian and infrastructural challenges faced by the region. The forum reiterated its commitment to supporting security forces and enhancing inter-state cooperation to address emerging threats and socio-economic issues.

The NEGF also emphasized the importance of equipping the region's youth with quality education and vocational skills to foster a secure and prosperous future. They expressed concern over environmental degradation and agreed to collaborate with the Institute of Forest Research to train forest experts.

The next meeting of the North-East Governors Forum is scheduled for December 18-19, 2026, in Gombe State, as the governors continue to work towards a unified and developed North-East region.