The Zamfara State Government has signed an Air Route Development Partnership Agreement with XEJet Limited for the commencement of scheduled commercial flights between Gusau International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The agreement, signed on Monday, is aimed at improving air connectivity to Zamfara and facilitating business, investment, tourism and economic activities in the state.
The Governor’s Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
According to the statement, the Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, chaired the signing ceremony, while the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammed Nakwada, signed the agreement on behalf of the state government.
The statement said XEJet would commence bi-weekly commercial flights between Abuja and Gusau from next month.
“Zamfara State government has signed an Air Route Development Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with XEJet Limited for scheduled commercial flights connecting Abuja and Gusau,” the statement said.
“Under the agreement, XEJet will operate bi-weekly flights beginning next month.”
The state government said the new route would improve access to Zamfara and create additional opportunities for investors, businesses and visitors seeking to travel to the state.
“The new air route will enhance access to Zamfara and open greater opportunities for investors, businesses and visitors,” the statement added.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Governor said the partnership was consistent with the state government’s plans to improve transportation infrastructure and make Zamfara more accessible.
Mummuni said the Gusau International Airport was constructed from scratch and completed within two years, describing the facility as an important infrastructure project for the state.
“The Gusau International Airport was built entirely from scratch and completed within two years,” he said.
According to him, the airport was constructed primarily to improve the movement of people and goods into and out of Zamfara, with the expectation that better connectivity would contribute to economic development.
“The main goal of constructing the airport is to make it easier and more efficient for people and goods to move, which should help boost the economy,” the deputy governor said.
Mummuni said the state government was also seeking to attract international investors and donor agencies as part of efforts to expand economic opportunities in Zamfara.
“Governor Lawal has been actively seeking international investors and donor agencies, all of whom are willing to invest in Zamfara,” he said.
He said the commencement of commercial flights would make it easier for potential investors to visit the state and assess available opportunities.
“This milestone of initiating a commercial flight will draw potential investors. Improving the state’s accessibility is our top priority, as it will create a more welcoming environment for business growth and investment,” Mummuni said.
The agreement between the state government and XEJet is expected to provide regular air connectivity between Gusau and Abuja, giving travellers another option for moving between the state and the Federal Capital Territory.
The partnership also forms part of the state government’s broader efforts to maximise the economic value of Gusau International Airport following the completion of the facility.
With commercial flights scheduled to begin next month, the state government is positioning improved air connectivity as part of its strategy to attract investment, support tourism and facilitate the movement of businesspeople, government officials and other visitors.
The agreement was signed against the backdrop of efforts by the state government to improve infrastructure and create conditions that would encourage private-sector investment.
West Trybe reports that the planned Abuja-Gusau commercial route is expected to strengthen Zamfara’s connection to the Federal Capital Territory while providing a new transportation channel for investors, businesses, tourists and residents travelling to and from the state.
