Experts Back North-East Regional Airline, Warn Governors Against Political Interference

Aviation experts have backed the proposed establishment of a regional airline by the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), saying the initiative could improve air connectivity, boost economic activities and support the region’s post-conflict recovery.

However, they have warned that the airline’s success will depend on a sustainable business model, adequate funding, professional management and a thorough assessment of passenger demand.

The experts also cautioned against political interference and the use of public funds to sustain an airline that fails to generate sufficient revenue.

The Chief Executive Officer of Transmeridien Agency International Ltd., Peter Adenihun, said the North-East needed improved air connectivity, particularly as communities across the region continued to recover from years of insecurity and economic disruption.

Speaking in an interview with The Guardian in Lagos, Adenihun observed that the region remained poorly connected by air, with limited direct flights between major cities and travellers often forced to transit through Abuja or Lagos.

He explained that passengers travelling between cities such as Gombe and Maiduguri frequently had to connect through Abuja, increasing travel time and costs.

According to him, a reliable regional airline could reduce journey times, strengthen business relationships and provide an alternative means of transportation when road travel becomes difficult.

Adenihun identified Maiduguri, Yola, Gombe, Bauchi and Jalingo airports as potential assets for expanding regional air services.

He added that sectors such as agriculture, livestock, mining and commerce could benefit from improved passenger and cargo transportation as the region pursues reconstruction and economic development.

However, he warned that establishing an airline without properly evaluating operating costs and passenger demand could expose the regional initiative to financial difficulties.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Shery Kyari also supported the proposal, saying the airline could improve mobility, create employment and stimulate economic activities if managed professionally.

Kyari urged the governors to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies before committing resources to the project.

“My view on state-owned airlines is to encourage them to do a lot of feasibility studies and go into it when the studies turn positive,” he said.

He also recommended that the governments consider establishing aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities alongside the airline.

According to him, maintenance facilities could create jobs for residents, generate additional revenue and strengthen the region’s aviation industry.

A former Acting Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Sidi Abdullahi, said the proposed carrier could help address connectivity gaps and improve service reliability for passengers.

He noted that some existing operators advertise flight schedules beyond the capacity of their serviceable aircraft, resulting in disruptions that leave passengers stranded.

Abdullahi argued that a professionally managed regional airline could complement existing operators by providing dependable services on underserved routes rather than concentrating exclusively on established, high-traffic destinations.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Aviation Africa Plate-Forme, Dr Frank Ogochukwu, urged the governors to approach the project cautiously, stressing that improved connectivity must be supported by a credible commercial strategy.

He acknowledged that the reported N10.8 billion counterpart contribution by the governors demonstrated commitment to the initiative but warned that the amount represented only part of the financial requirements of establishing and operating an airline.

Ogochukwu advised the governors to develop a clear funding plan covering aircraft acquisition or leasing, maintenance, insurance, personnel, aviation fuel and working capital.

He also called for an independent feasibility study to determine the actual passenger demand on proposed routes.

According to him, demand for flights from Maiduguri or Yola to Abuja and Lagos should not automatically be taken as evidence of sufficient passenger traffic between cities within the North-East.

The experts maintained that the proposed airline could contribute to regional development, but stressed that its long-term viability would depend on commercial discipline, sound financial planning and freedom from political interference.

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