BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Buoyed by the need to transform Nigeria’s agricultural export landscape, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Plateau State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on May 4, 2025, to develop Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, into a premier food cargo hub.
Delivering the keynote address at the ceremony, FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, highlighted the urgency of tackling Nigeria’s staggering N3.5 trillion annual post-harvest food losses and the immense opportunity that lies in global markets hungry for Nigerian produce.
“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,” Mrs. Kuku said.
She painted a vivid picture of Plateau State’s natural bounty — fertile soils, temperate climate, and farmers producing world-class potatoes, maize, vegetables, and fruits. Yet, despite this wealth, the produce often failed to reach markets due to logistical challenges.
“This partnership is not just about building infrastructure — it is about building dreams, creating opportunities, and unleashing Plateau’s boundless agricultural potential onto the global stage,” Mrs. Kuku said.
Under the agreement, the Plateau State Government will fund major infrastructure upgrades, while FAAN will provide technical expertise, regulatory oversight, and security measures necessary to operate an international cargo terminal.
The project aligns closely with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion Nigerian economy by 2030.
“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,” Mrs. Kuku emphasized.
She called on stakeholders and investors to support ancillary industries including packaging, storage, and transportation to create an efficient export chain.
“This is a declaration of economic independence for our farmers. We are not just upgrading an airport — we are upgrading dreams,” she said.
The collaboration signals a new dawn for Nigeria’s agriculture sector and sets the stage for Plateau State to emerge as the nation’s leading food export hub — a development that could reduce food wastage significantly while boosting the economy and rural livelihoods.
As Mrs. Kuku added, “Today, we show the world that FAAN is open for business, Plateau State is ready to rise, and Nigeria’s agricultural promise is finally taking flight.”
