BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Plateau State Government has partnered United Nigeria Airlines to introduce scheduled flights linking Jos with Kano and Owerri, in a move aimed at boosting trade, tourism and business activities.
The two routes are expected to commence this month, with flights operating twice weekly to each destination.
The agreement was sealed on Monday, November 9, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the office of the Plateau State Commissioner for Transport, Jatau Gyang, in Jos.
Speaking after the signing, Gyang said the partnership was part of the state government’s efforts to position Plateau as a major destination for investment, tourism, commerce and economic opportunities.
He thanked the management of United Nigeria Airlines for supporting the state’s vision.
Gyang described the choice of Kano and Owerri as strategic, given their economic importance and locations across different geopolitical zones.
“The choice of Owerri and Kano as destinations for this partnership is strategic and deliberate, taking into consideration their geographical locations, economic relevance and potential to facilitate connectivity across different geopolitical regions of Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, the Jos–Owerri route will give residents of Plateau and neighbouring states better access to the South-East and South-South, creating opportunities for trade, investment, tourism and social interactions.
He said: “The Jos–Owerri route is particularly significant because of Owerri’s proximity and accessibility to the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones. This connection is expected to provide residents of Plateau State and neighbouring states with improved access to these two important regions, thereby facilitating trade, investment, tourism, social interactions and other economic activities.”
On the Jos–Kano route, the commissioner said the service would strengthen the state’s connection with the North-West and open up opportunities for business and commercial exchanges.
“Kano, being one of the major commercial and industrial centres in Northern Nigeria, offers enormous opportunities for business partnerships, trade and economic exchanges,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the airline, its Managing Director, Mazi Osita Okonkwo, described the agreement as unique because it would strengthen connections among the South-East, South-West and North-Central regions.
He described Plateau as a strategic state and assured residents that the airline would maintain its standards of service delivery.
Okonkwo thanked Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his vision and strategic direction, while also commending Gyang for his efforts in making the partnership possible.
“United Nigeria Airlines will deliver on what it is known for, which is excellent customer service. We guarantee that this partnership will be a win-win for everyone,” he said.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
