In a bid to tackle Nigeria’s staggering N3.5 trillion annual food wastage, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Plateau State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to transform the Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos into a major agro-cargo hub.
The partnership aims to transform the domestic airport into an international cargo terminal, positioning Plateau State as a major food export hub and opening global market access for Nigerian farmers.
Under the terms of the partnership, the Plateau State Government will fund critical infrastructure upgrades, while FAAN provides technical expertise, regulatory oversight, and ensures security compliance.
Planned infrastructure includes a cargo terminal, expanded runway and apron, cold storage facilities, warehouses, cargo screening systems, and advanced surveillance equipment.
Speaking during the signing ceremony held at FAAN’s headquarters in Lagos yesterday, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the initiative as a “historic turning point” in the nation’s agricultural export strategy.
He lamented the irony of global demand for produce while Nigeria’s farmers suffer massive post-harvest losses due to lack of market access and inadequate infrastructure.
“Plateau State is not just a dot on the map—it is a cradle of agricultural abundance,” Mutfwang said. “For too long, our farmers have labored, producing high-quality crops like potatoes, maize, vegetables, and fruits, only for them to perish before reaching the market. This project is about changing that narrative. We are not just upgrading an airport—we are upgrading dreams.”
Mutfwang further called on investors and stakeholders to support complementary sectors, such as packaging, storage, and logistics, to ensure long-term sustainability.
He emphasized that the project signals a new era of economic independence for farmers and a renewed commitment to Nigeria’s agricultural potential.
Also speaking, FAAN Managing Director and CEO, Olubunmi Kuku, hailed the collaboration as a model for future public-private partnerships aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of achieving a one trillion-dollar economy by 2030.
“This partnership is not only timely but transformative,” Kuku stated. “With Plateau’s agricultural wealth and FAAN’s aviation expertise, we have the ingredients to unlock a new chapter in Nigeria’s export economy.”
The project is anticipated to significantly reduce food waste, boost foreign exchange earnings, and provide farmers with consistent access to international markets—positioning Plateau State as a pivotal player in Nigeria’s journey toward agricultural self-sufficiency and economic transformation.
