The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has entered into a strategic alliance with Plateau State to establish a specialized food cargo facility at Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos, targeting Nigeria’s annual agricultural losses estimated at N3.5 trillion.
This collaboration aims to transform the airport into an international cargo gateway, enhancing export capabilities and positioning Plateau as a leading agricultural logistics hub.
Under the agreement, Plateau State will assume financial responsibility for infrastructure development, while FAAN will provide technical expertise, operational oversight, and security services.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony held at FAAN’s Lagos headquarters, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the initiative as a watershed moment for Nigeria’s agricultural export sector.
Mutfwang expressed concern that, despite Nigeria’s abundant farming resources, local farmers face limited market opportunities while international demand for agricultural products remains high.
He emphasized that Plateau is more than just a geographical entity—it is a region of natural abundance, with rich terrain and productive farmland that has sustained communities and nourished the nation for generations.
The governor noted that while Plateau’s farmers have consistently cultivated high-quality produce—such as potatoes, corn, vegetables, and fruits—the lack of market linkages has led to post-harvest losses and economic setbacks.
He underscored that the alliance goes beyond infrastructure; it is an investment in aspirations, job creation, and the channeling of Plateau’s agricultural potential toward international markets.
Mutfwang encouraged investors to explore opportunities in packaging, storage, and logistics systems that connect local producers with global consumers.
He characterized the partnership as a declaration of economic self-reliance by farmers and a step forward in realizing Nigeria’s agricultural potential. “We are not just upgrading an airport – we are upgrading dreams,” he added.
FAAN’s Managing Director and CEO, Olubunmi Kuku, described the partnership as a model of effective cooperation aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of achieving a trillion-dollar economy by 2030.
Kuku noted that while Plateau State contributes its rich natural resources, FAAN offers specialized expertise, and international markets await the agricultural output.
The partnership involves the development of critical infrastructure, including cargo terminals, runway extensions, expanded aircraft parking areas, refrigerated storage units, warehousing facilities, cargo screening equipment, and enhanced security and monitoring systems. Plateau State will recoup its financial investment through operational revenues and commercial activities.
This initiative promises significant benefits for Nigeria’s agricultural sector by granting producers access to global markets and reducing food waste. With FAAN’s technical support and the state’s commitment, the project is poised to make Plateau a premier agricultural cargo center and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth.
