The Plateau state Government and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria have allied to build a food cargo hub at Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, to address the N3.5 trillion worth of food that perishes annually in Nigeria.
The partnership aims to upgrade the Plateau State Airport into an international cargo airport, boosting exports and transforming the state into a premier food cargo hub.
While signing the agreement, on Wednesday in Lagos the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, said this initiative marks a historic turning point in Nigerian agricultural exports.
Mutfwang lamented that despite the country’s rich agricultural resources, global markets hunger for produce while Nigerian farmers struggle to access markets.
The collaboration will see the state government provide financing for facility upgrades, while FAAN delivers professional expertise, guidance, and security.
He noted that for years, farmers have toiled, producing world-class potatoes, maize, vegetables, and fruits, only to see their hard work perish due to limited market access.
The governor said, “Jos Airport is one of the oldest in the country, having commenced operations in 1972. Jos is also a regional hub in Northern Nigeria for agriculture and other produce.
“The idea to upgrade this facility to an international cargo airport has been on the drawing board for years. Today, we are finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel.”
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the enabling environment for the partnership to materialise, stating, “Without the President’s support and consent, we may not have achieved this milestone.”
The Managing Director and Chief Executive of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, described the partnership as 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.
The FAAN boss stated that Plateau state stands ready with its rich resources, as well as FAAN with its expertise, while the markets stand ready for the produce.
According to Kuku, 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.
Kuku said, “When N3.5 trillion worth of food perishes annually in Nigeria while global markets hunger for our produce, we know something must change. Today, that change begins as we welcome the Governor of Plateau State to FAAN headquarters, marking a historic turning point in Nigerian agricultural exports.
“Today, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Plateau State Government, led by His Excellency, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, are joining forces to transform the Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos into a premier food cargo hub.”
She also called on stakeholders to invest in the different sections of the project, ranging from packaging storage solutions to transportation, among others.
“To all our stakeholders watching this historic moment: the time to act is now. Plateau State stands ready with its rich resources, FAAN stands ready with its expertise, and the markets stand ready for our produce.
“We invite you to be part of this transformation to invest in packaging facilities, storage solutions, and transportation infrastructure that will connect our farmers to the world.” She stated.
