Nigeria, Jan. 24 -- Edo State is taking steps to establish its own airline, with plans to operate from Benin Airport, as part of efforts to improve regional connectivity, attract investment, and create jobs, an official has said.

The plan was made public on Thursday when the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, met with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja.

Accompanied by key members of his cabinet, the governor described the launch of a homegrown airline as urgent, saying it would be central to the state's economic revival.

"If I have my way, I want this airline to take off immediately, even before the election. Edo State needs a strong aviation presence to open up our economy and reposition Ben...