In a move to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural export landscape, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has signed a transformative agreement with the Plateau State Government to convert the Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos into a premier food cargo hub.
This strategic partnership, officially marked by the visit of Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang to FAAN headquarters, signals a major leap forward in connecting Nigeria’s abundant agricultural produce with international markets.
For decades, Nigeria has lost an estimated N3.5 trillion worth of food annually due to post-harvest losses and lack of export infrastructure. Meanwhile, global demand for high-quality African produce continues to rise. Plateau State, with its fertile soil and temperate climate, has long produced export-worthy crops like potatoes, maize, vegetables, and fruits — but limited market access has stunted the state’s economic potential.
“Today is more than a signing ceremony. It’s a declaration of economic independence for our farmers,” said a FAAN spokesperson. “With this partnership, we are not just upgrading an airport — we are upgrading dreams.”
The collaboration outlines a clear division of responsibilities: the Plateau State Government will fund the necessary upgrades to the airport’s facilities, while FAAN brings its technical expertise and security infrastructure to ensure smooth and efficient cargo operations.
This model of state-federal cooperation aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader economic strategy — targeting a $1 trillion Nigerian economy by 2030.
The upgraded airport will serve as a gateway, linking Plateau’s world-class produce to foreign markets and drastically reducing post-harvest losses. FAAN is calling on investors to seize this opportunity by supporting development in packaging, storage, and logistics to bolster the new cargo ecosystem.
As Nigeria takes this bold step, Plateau State stands as a shining example of what is possible when vision meets action. The transformation of Jos into a global food hub is no longer a dream — it has begun.
