The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Plateau State Government have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at transforming Jos International Airport into a major International Cargo Hub.
The upgrade will position the airport as a key international transit point for the processing, packaging, and air freight of various crops to markets both domestically and internationally.
To support this initiative, the African Development Bank (AfDB) will provide assistance in establishing a processing center, which will enhance cargo and related operations at the airport.
At the signing ceremony, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed his gratitude for the project, acknowledging the role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in promoting economic growth through the aviation sector.
Governor Mutfwang also thanked President Tinubu for his political support, highlighting the efforts of Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, and FAAN’s management, who have been working on the project for over a year.
He said, “We are happy that this journey that started over a year ago with the visit of the FAAN team is already yielding results. We are rebuilding the commodities market in Jos. We have set up the Plateau Commodities market for food produce to be completed by the Special Agro-Processing Zone and other support facilities to drive the agricultural value chain. The centrality of our location, the dry land port very close to the airport, for which we have commenced discussions with the private sector to aggregate the full benefits.
“Hopefully, before the year runs out, a lot of commercial activities will be ongoing to move it forward.”
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said the partnership had become imperative to save over N3.5 trillion worth of food perishing annually in Nigeria while the global markets hunger for such produce.
Affirming that efforts have to be put in place to change the narrative, Kuku said, “Today, that change begins as we welcome the Governor of Plateau State to FAAN headquarters, marking a historic turning point in Nigerian agricultural exports.
Plateau State isn’t just another dot on Nigeria’s map – it is a testament to nature’s generosity. Picture breathtaking landscapes where temperate climates nurture crops year-round. Imagine fertile soils that have, for generations, sustained families and fed our nation. This is more than land; it’s our heritage, our promise, our future.
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“For years, we have watched farmers toil, producing world-class potatoes, maize, vegetables, and fruits, only to see their hard work wither away due to limited market access. We have witnessed countless meetings, endured broken promises, and faced skeptics who said this day would never come.
Today, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Plateau State Government, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, are joining forces to transform the Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos into a premier food cargo hub.
“This is not just about building infrastructure – it is about building dreams, creating opportunities, and unleashing Plateau’s boundless agricultural potential onto the global stage.
“This partnership represents everything we believe in: the state government providing financial muscle for facility upgrades, while FAAN delivers professional expertise, guidance and security. It is 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 said it is time to act, while urging stakeholders to take advantage of the partnership to invest in the value chain.
She said, “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.
“Today, we’re not just signing an agreement – we are signing a declaration of economic independence for our farmers. We are not just upgrading an airport – we are upgrading dreams. When future generations look back at this moment, they will mark it as the day Plateau State began its ascent to become Nigeria’s premier food cargo hub.
“Today, we show the world that FAAN is open for business, that Plateau State is ready to rise, and that Nigeria’s agricultural promise is finally taking flight.”
The MoU reads, “Parties have mutually agreed to upgrade the Airport into an International Dry and Fresh Cargo Airport, which will require the development and installation of certain critical infrastructure and essential equipment, including but not limited to the following: construction of a cargo terminal.
Others are the expansion of the existing runway at the airport, expansion of the apron, construction and development of a Cold Room for fresh cargo, as well as the construction and development of a Warehouse and ancillary facilities.
Others include, cargo baggage X-Ray Machines, Walk Through Metal Detectors, Hand Held Metal Detectors, Explosive Trace Detectors; Walkie-Talkies-Long range, Vehicular Search Mirror; Fire Ambulance Equipment, Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV); Operation Inspection Vehicle; Security Patrol Vehicles; Close Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) Surveillance System; and Construction of Parallel Taxiways.
“The parties further agree that in furtherance of the project, the Plateau State Government (PLSG) may, at its own cost and discretion, procure, construct, or install any such items required to actualise the objectives of this MoU. Provided that PLSG shall recover its investment through the operations and commercial exploitations of the approved Project for the duration of the definitive agreement to be drawn up by the Parties.”