United Nigeria Airlines to Launch Twice-Weekly Jos–Kano, Jos–Owerri Flights
The Plateau State Government has entered into a partnership with United Nigeria Airlines to commence scheduled flight operations between Jos and two major commercial destinations, Kano and Owerri, as part of efforts to expand air connectivity and boost economic activities across the country.
The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will see the airline operate twice-weekly flights on each of the routes, with services expected to begin in November.
The agreement was signed on Monday, November 9, at the office of the Plateau State Commissioner for Transport, Jatau Gyang, in Jos.
The initiative is expected to strengthen Plateau State’s air transport network by providing direct connections to the North-West and South-East, while improving access to the South-South through Owerri.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Gyang said the partnership reflected the state government’s determination to harness aviation as a catalyst for investment, tourism, commerce and broader economic development.
He described the selection of Kano and Owerri as destinations as a deliberate decision informed by their geographical positions, commercial significance and capacity to connect different regions of the country.
According to him, the Jos–Owerri service will be particularly beneficial to residents of Plateau and neighbouring states seeking access to the South-East and South-South, which are important centres of commercial and social activities.
“The Jos–Owerri route is particularly significant because of Owerri’s proximity and accessibility to the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones. This connection is expected to provide residents of Plateau State and neighbouring states with improved access to these two important regions, thereby facilitating trade, investment, tourism, social interactions and other economic activities,” he said.
On the Jos–Kano connection, the commissioner said the route would strengthen the state’s economic relationship with the North-West, particularly Kano, which remains one of Northern Nigeria’s major commercial and industrial hubs.
He noted that the air link would create opportunities for businesses in Plateau to establish stronger commercial relationships with their counterparts in Kano, while facilitating the movement of people and goods-related business activities.
Gyang expressed appreciation to United Nigeria Airlines for supporting the state’s development agenda, stressing that improved air transportation was essential to unlocking Plateau’s economic and tourism potential.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of United Nigeria Airlines, Mazi Osita Okonkwo, described the agreement as an important partnership with the potential to improve connectivity across several geopolitical zones.
He said the arrangement was unique because of its capacity to strengthen connections among the South-East, South-West and North-Central regions, adding that Plateau occupied a strategic position in the country’s economic and geographical landscape.
Okonkwo assured the state government that the airline would bring its service standards and customer-focused approach to the new routes, promising passengers a satisfactory travel experience.
“United Nigeria Airlines will deliver on what it is known for, which is excellent customer service. We guarantee that this partnership will be a win-win for everyone,” he said.
He commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for providing the vision and strategic direction that made the partnership possible, while also acknowledging the contributions of the transport commissioner towards its actualisation.
The new routes are expected to offer passengers more convenient travel options between Jos, Kano and Owerri, potentially reducing dependence on lengthy road journeys and improving business and social interactions.
For Plateau State, the agreement is also part of a broader effort to improve its accessibility and attractiveness to investors, tourists and other visitors, with the government seeking to leverage air transportation to stimulate economic growth and strengthen its connections with other parts of Nigeria.
