The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Plateau State government have collaborated to establish a food cargo hub at Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos to combat this.
This partnership will elevate the airport to international cargo status, stimulating exports and establishing Plateau State as a leading food cargo centre.
The Plateau State government will fund facility upgrades, while FAAN will offer professional support, advisory services, and security.
The Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, spoke on Wednesday while signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between FAAN and his State at FAAN’s office in Lagos. He said this initiative marks a historic turning point in Nigerian agricultural exports.
Mutfwang lamented that despite the country’s rich agricultural resources, global markets hunger for produce while Nigerian farmers struggle to access markets.
The governor emphasised that Plateau State is more than just a dot on Nigeria’s map; it’s a testament to nature’s generosity, with breathtaking landscapes and fertile soils that have sustained families and fed the nation for generations.
He noted that for years, farmers have toiled, producing world-class potatoes, maize, vegetables, and fruits, only to see their hard work wither away due to limited market access.
Mutfwang highlighted that this partnership is not just about building infrastructure but about building dreams, creating opportunities, and unleashing Plateau’s boundless agricultural potential onto the global stage.
He invited stakeholders to invest in packaging facilities, storage solutions, and transportation infrastructure connecting farmers worldwide.
The Plateau State governor said the partnership is a declaration of economic independence for farmers and a step towards making Nigeria’s agricultural promise a reality. “We are not just upgrading an airport – we are upgrading dreams,” he added.
Responding, FAAN managing director and chief executive, Olubunmi Kuku, noted that the partnership is a blueprint for the collaboration that will drive Nigeria toward President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a one trillion-dollar economy by 2030.
Kuku emphasised that Plateau State stands ready with its rich resources, FAAN stands with expertise, and the markets stand prepared for the produce.
A strategic collaboration aims to enhance infrastructure with a focus on a cargo terminal, runway and apron extensions, cold storage facilities, warehousing, advanced X-ray and security systems, and surveillance technology. Plateau State will recoup its investments via operational revenues and commercial utilisation of the project.
This initiative is expectedto benefit Nigeria’s agriculture, granting farmers international market access and minimising food spoilage. Leveraging the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s (FAAN) capabilities alongside the state’s strong dedication, this project is set to transform Plateau State into a leading food cargo centre, fostering national economic development.
Source: Leadership
Image Credit: Western Post
