The Zamfara State Government has entered into an Air Route Development Partnership Agreement with XEJet Limited to commence scheduled commercial flights between Gusau International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The agreement is expected to improve air connectivity to the state and facilitate the movement of people and goods between Zamfara and the Federal Capital Territory.
The partnership was formalised on Monday with the signing of an Air Route Development Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and XEJet Limited.
A statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, chaired the signing ceremony.
The Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammed Nakwada, signed the agreement on behalf of the Zamfara State Government.
Under the agreement, XEJet will operate twice-weekly commercial flights between Abuja and Gusau, with operations scheduled to commence next month.
The state government said the new route would enhance access to Zamfara while creating opportunities for investors, businesses, tourists and other visitors to the state.
The statement quoted the agreement as saying: “Zamfara State government has signed an Air Route Development Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with XEJet Limited for scheduled commercial flights connecting Abuja and Gusau.
“Under the agreement, XEJet will operate bi-weekly flights beginning next month.
“The new air route will enhance access to Zamfara and open greater opportunities for investors, businesses and visitors.”
Speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Governor said the partnership was in line with the state government’s broader strategy to improve transportation infrastructure and strengthen economic connectivity.
He said the Gusau International Airport was constructed from scratch and completed within two years, describing the facility as an important component of the state’s transportation infrastructure.
“The Gusau International Airport was built entirely from scratch and completed within two years,” Mummuni said.
He explained that the airport was constructed primarily to facilitate easier and more efficient movement of people and goods, with the expectation that improved transportation 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,” he said.
The Deputy Governor further said the state government was actively pursuing investment opportunities and engaging international investors and donor agencies interested in Zamfara.
According to him, improved air connectivity would make the state more accessible to prospective investors and other stakeholders.
“Governor Lawal has been actively seeking international investors and donor agencies, all of whom are willing to invest in Zamfara,” he said.
“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.”
The commencement of the Abuja-Gusau route will make Gusau International Airport part of the state’s efforts to strengthen direct transportation links with Abuja.
