June 05, (THEWILL) – The Plateau State Government has entered into a strategic partnership with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to upgrade the Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos into an international cargo airport, positioning the state as a premier food export hub.
Both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday at FAAN headquarters in Lagos, setting the stage for the airport’s transformation to support Nigeria’s agricultural exports.
Speaking during the ceremony, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the enabling environment that made the partnership possible.
“The Jos Airport is one of the oldest in Nigeria, dating back to 1972/1973. Jos has long been a hub for agriculture and other produce in northern Nigeria. For years, the plan to upgrade it to an international cargo airport has remained on the drawing board. Today, we are finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
Mutfwang also commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Managing Director/CEO of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, for their roles in making the partnership a reality.
He recalled that Mrs Kuku visited the airport last year, which marked the beginning of progress.
“This partnership is promising, and we are confident that within a few years, the airport will generate significant revenue and serve as a major commercial hub. Jos already boasts the highest hotel room occupancy rate in Nigeria and is set to become northern Nigeria’s centre of commerce,” he said.
In her remarks, FAAN MD, Olubunmi Kuku, described the partnership as a historic turning point in Nigeria’s agricultural export landscape.
She noted that the upgrade of the Yakubu Gowon Airport into a cargo terminal would help curb the estimated N3.5 trillion worth of food produce lost annually due to poor storage and lack of access to global markets.
“This initiative is not just about infrastructure. It’s about building dreams, creating opportunities, and unleashing the agricultural potential of Plateau State onto the global stage,” Kuku said.
She explained that while the state government will provide the financial backing for the airport upgrade, FAAN will contribute technical expertise, regulatory guidance, and security support.
Kuku said the agreement represents FAAN’s commitment to building partnerships that align with President Tinubu’s vision of transforming Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
“FAAN is ready with its expertise. The markets are ready for our produce. We invite investors to join us in building packaging facilities, storage solutions, and transport infrastructure to link our farmers to global demand,” she said.
“Today, we are not just signing an agreement – we are declaring economic independence for our farmers. We are not just upgrading an airport – we are upgrading dreams,” she added.
Kuku concluded by noting that the partnership would be remembered as the beginning of Plateau State’s rise as Nigeria’s leading food cargo hub, signaling that FAAN is open for business and Nigeria’s agricultural promise is “finally taking flight.”
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
