FAAN Partners Plateau State to Build Food Cargo Hub at Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Plateau State government have partnered to build a food cargo hub at Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, to address the staggering N3.5 trillion worth of food that perished annually in Nigeria.

The aim of the partnership is to upgrade the Plateau State airport into an international cargo airport to boost exports as well as transforming the state into a premier food cargo hub.

Through this collaboration, the state government will provide financing for facility upgrades, while FAAN will deliver professional expertise, guidance and security.

The Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, who spoke during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between FAAN and his State at FAAN’s office in Lagos, said this initiative marks a historic turning point in Nigerian agricultural exports.

Mutfwang explained that despite the country’s rich agricultural resources, global markets hunger for produce while Nigerian farmers struggle to access markets.

The governor affirmed that Plateau State is more than just a dot on Nigeria’s map; it’s a testament to nature’s generosity, with breathtaking landscapes and fertile soils that have sustained families and fed the nation for generations.

According to him, farmers have toiled for years, producing world-class potatoes, maize, vegetables, and fruits, only to see their hard work wither away due to limited market access.

Mutfwang emphasized that this partnership is not just about building infrastructure but about building dreams, creating opportunities, and unleashing Plateau’s boundless agricultural potential onto the global stage.

The Plateau State governor encouraged stakeholders to invest in packaging facilities, storage solutions, and transportation infrastructure that will connect farmers to the world.

He opined that the partnership is a declaration of economic independence for farmers and a step towards making Nigeria’s agricultural promise a reality.

“We are not just upgrading an airport – we are upgrading dreams,” he added.

Responding, FAAN managing director and chief executive, Olubunmi Kuku, stated that the partnership is a blueprint for the kind of collaboration that will drive Nigeria toward President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a one trillion-dollar economy by 2030.

Kuku acknowledged that Plateau State stands ready with its rich resources, FAAN stands ready with its expertise, and the markets stand ready for the produce.

The partnership will involve the development and installation of critical infrastructure, including a cargo terminal, runway expansion, apron expansion, cold room, warehouse, cargo baggage X-ray machines, security equipment, and surveillance systems.

The Plateau State government will recover its investment through operations and commercial exploitations of the project.

This initiative is anticipated to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s agricultural sector, enabling farmers to access global markets and reducing food waste.

With FAAN’s expertise and the state government’s commitment, the project is set to transform Plateau State into a premier food cargo hub and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.