By Itohan Abara-Laserian
In a bid to tackle ₦3.5 trillion agro-produce wastage annually, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Plateau Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday.
The agreement seals a strategic partnership to develop Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, into a leading hub for food cargo and agro-export logistics.
FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, stated FAAN would offer professional support, security, and guidance, while the Plateau Government would fund the airport’s upgrade.
“When ₦3.5 trillion worth of food perishes each year, while global markets seek our produce, it’s clear something urgent must change.
“Today marks the beginning of that change, with the Plateau Governor’s visit to FAAN’s headquarters in Lagos signifying a major shift in agro-exports,” she said.
She noted the plan is to transform Yakubu Gowon Airport into a premier food cargo terminal, enhancing Nigeria’s agricultural export infrastructure.
“This partnership is about more than infrastructure. It’s about creating opportunity, empowering farmers, and elevating Plateau’s produce to international markets,” Kuku explained.
She described the initiative as a model of collaboration that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s goal of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
Kuku called on investors to act promptly and engage with the new opportunity emerging from this partnership.
“To stakeholders witnessing this milestone: the time is now. Plateau offers rich resources; FAAN brings expertise. Global markets await Nigerian produce.
“We invite you to invest in storage, packaging, and transport infrastructure that will connect our farmers with international buyers.
“Today’s signing is not just an agreement — it’s a declaration of economic empowerment for our farmers and a reimagining of regional development.
“FAAN is open for business. Plateau is ready to rise. Nigeria’s agricultural potential is set to take flight,” Kuku said.
Gov. Caleb Mutfwang praised President Tinubu for creating the enabling environment that led to the partnership.
He also commended Aviation Minister Mr Festus Keyamo and Mrs Kuku for their commitment to Nigeria’s agro-export vision.
Mutfwang said FAAN’s earlier visit to Plateau in 2024 was already yielding results and would soon translate into increased revenue.
“Jos once thrived commercially before the market fire. We’re rebuilding to restore it as northern Nigeria’s trading powerhouse,” the governor stated.
He said the new Plateau commodities market would serve as a central aggregation point for agricultural produce in the region.
This, he noted, would complement the upcoming Special Agro Processing Zone backed by the African Development Bank.
Mutfwang also mentioned the dry inland port project, with ongoing discussions involving private investors to bring it to life.
He assured the public and stakeholders that the MoU would be actively implemented and would not be shelved. The governor reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring security for all investors operating within Plateau.