FAAN, Plateau State Forge Landmark Deal to Transform Jos Airport into Nigeria’s Premier Food Cargo Hub
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Plateau State Government, in a bold and visionary move set to redefine Nigeria’s agricultural export landscape, have signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to transform Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos into a state-of-the-art agro-cargo terminal.
The signing ceremony, held at FAAN Headquarters in Abuja on 4th May 2025, was attended by top dignitaries from both the aviation and agricultural sectors.
Present were the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Caleb Mutfwang, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, whose impassioned remarks underscored the urgency and significance of the agreement.
“When N3.5 trillion worth of food perishes annually in Nigeria while global markets hunger for our produce, we know something must change,” declared Mrs Kuku. “Today, that change begins.”
She described Plateau State as a region of unparalleled agricultural wealth – boasting temperate climates, fertile soils, and generations of resilient farmers – yet lamented the years of infrastructural neglect that have left produce to waste.
“For years, we have watched farmers toil, producing world-class potatoes, maize, vegetables, and fruits, only to see their hard work wither away due to limited market access,” she said. “We have endured countless broken promises, but today marks a new dawn.”
Under the terms of the MoU, the Plateau State Government will fund essential infrastructure upgrades, while FAAN will provide technical expertise, regulatory support, and operational guidance to ensure a seamless transition of the airport into a fully functional agro-cargo hub.
“This is not just about building infrastructure – it is about building dreams,” Mrs Kuku emphasised. “We are creating opportunities and unleashing Plateau’s boundless agricultural potential onto the global stage.”
She positioned the partnership as a model of intergovernmental synergy, fully aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambitious goal of transforming Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
Calling on investors and stakeholders to join the movement, she urged, “Now is the time to invest in packaging, storage, and transport infrastructure that connects our farmers to the world.”
In his address, Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed deep satisfaction that the long-envisioned plan to upgrade the Jos airport was finally becoming a reality.
“We began this conversation over a year ago, and today it’s coming to life. The Jos airport is one of the oldest in Nigeria, and Plateau is a regional hub for agriculture in Northern Nigeria. For years, the dream of an international cargo terminal sat on the drawing board. Now, we see light at the end of the tunnel.”
The governor praised President Tinubu for creating the enabling environment for such strategic partnerships and thanked the Minister of Aviation and the FAAN leadership for their commitment.
“I especially want to thank the MD, Mrs Kuku, for her rare visit to Jos last year. That visit was catalytic. Since then, everything has taken a positive turn,” he stated.
Mutfwang underscored the broader economic context of the agreement, highlighting Plateau’s massive commercial potential and ongoing development initiatives. “We are rebuilding the largest market in West Africa which was gutted by fire. Plateau is bordered by several states and is fast becoming a central hub for agricultural commerce,” he noted.
He also revealed that Plateau State is establishing a special agro-processing centre in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), and has launched the Plateau Commodity Marketing Company to serve as a produce aggregation centre.
Furthermore, discussions are underway with the private sector to develop a nearby dry inland port, enhancing Jos’ strategic importance as a regional logistics and commerce hub.
“I believe what we are doing today lays the foundation for a future that will be beautiful, excellent, and beneficial to Nigeria’s economy,” the governor said. “Despite the challenges, the potential is enormous, and in the coming years, this airport will stand out among Nigeria’s revenue-generating airports.”
In a soaring conclusion, Mrs Kuku said the agreement was not just an administrative exercise but a bold declaration of Nigeria’s agricultural renaissance.
“We are not just upgrading an airport – we are upgrading dreams,” she said. “When future generations look back, they will mark this day as the moment Plateau State began its ascent as Nigeria’s premier food cargo hub.”
With the MoU now signed, the collaboration between FAAN and Plateau State signals a shared resolve to boost food exports, improve farmer livelihoods, reduce post-harvest losses, and re-establish Jos as a beacon of agro-commercial prosperity.
As Mrs Kuku aptly concluded: “Today, we show the world that FAAN is open for business, Plateau State is ready to rise, and Nigeria’s agricultural promise is finally taking flight.”
