To tackle Nigeria’s staggering N3.5 trillion in annual food losses and unlock new export opportunities, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Plateau State Government have entered into a strategic partnership to establish a food cargo hub at Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos.
The initiative aims to transform the regional airport into a major international cargo gateway, linking Plateau’s agricultural producers directly to global markets. Plateau State will fund key infrastructure upgrades, while FAAN will provide technical support, security, and project oversight.
Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Lagos, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the project as a game-changer for Nigeria’s agricultural future. “We’re not just upgrading an airport—we’re upgrading dreams,” he said, pointing to Plateau’s agricultural wealth and the need to leverage it for economic transformation.
FAAN’s Managing Director and CEO, Olubunmi Kuku, hailed the partnership as a model for advancing Nigeria’s economic ambitions, particularly the drive towards achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030. Planned developments for the cargo hub include a modern cargo terminal, cold storage facilities, expanded runways and aprons, warehouses, X-ray scanning equipment, and enhanced surveillance systems.
The Jos cargo hub is expected to significantly reduce post-harvest food losses by improving logistics and supply chain efficiency. It will also create jobs, boost income for farmers, and open sustainable export channels for Nigerian agricultural products.
With FAAN’s operational expertise and Plateau State’s agricultural assets, the project is seen as a critical step toward strengthening Nigeria’s agro-export capacity and repositioning the country as a key player in global food supply chains.
