The Plateau State Government, under Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). This is to transform the Yakubu Gowon International Cargo Airport in Heipang into a bustling international cargo hub. This visionary initiative, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to unlock the vast economic potential of Plateau State. It will significantly reduce post-harvest losses and connect local farmers directly to global markets.
Plateau State, widely recognized as Nigeria’s “Food Basket” due to its fertile lands and temperate climate, has long grappled with the challenge of efficiently transporting its abundant agricultural produce to international buyers. Annual food loss in Nigeria is due to inadequate market access. Logistics infrastructure is estimated at a staggering N3.5 trillion. This new partnership directly addresses this critical issue.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Plateau State Government will primarily be responsible for financing the crucial infrastructure upgrades at the airport. This includes the construction of a modern cargo terminal, expansion of existing runways and aprons. It also includes development of cold storage facilities for perishable goods, warehouses. The installation of essential equipment e.g cargo baggage X-ray machines and advanced surveillance systems. FAAN, on its part, will provide professional expertise, technical guidance, and security oversight for the project.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony in Lagos, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang underscored the historical significance of the Jos Airport. This has served the region since 1972, and reiterated the long-standing vision to elevate it into a global trade gateway. He highlighted his administration’s proactive establishment of the Plateau Commodities and Marketing Agency. Also, this is tasked with aggregating agricultural produce for export, as a testament to the state’s readiness to embrace this transformation.
Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, affirmed that the project aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” The national goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030. She emphasized that a major hurdle in Nigeria’s export ecosystem is the aggregation of sufficient quantities and ensuring quality compliance. She commended Plateau State’s preparedness to overcome these challenges. Mrs. Kuku also extended a compelling call to investors, noting that FAAN is actively engaging development finance institutions like the African
Development Bank (AfDB) to support infrastructure development and urged private sector participation in tourism, logistics, and infrastructure that will connect rural producers to international markets.
The transformation of Yakubu Gowon Airport is anticipated to yield a multitude of far-reaching benefits.
It is projected to significantly amplify Nigeria’s agricultural export revenues. The establishment of a dedicated and state-of-the-art food cargo hub will position Nigeria as a more competitive player in the global agricultural market. This attracts foreign direct investment and fostering the growth of ancillary local industries. Furthermore, this initiative holds immense promise for robust job creation. This is particularly among Nigeria’s vibrant youth, across various sectors including logistics, cold chain management, quality control, packaging, and agro-processing.
A key accelerator for this transformation is the direct synergy with the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in Heipang. This is located right beside the airport. This SAPZ will serve as a vital hub for sorting, processing, and packaging agricultural produce to international standards. The co-location of the SAPZ and the international cargo airport created by “farm-to-flight” value chain. It promises to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and significantly boost farmers’ incomes.
The prospects are immense.
However, the development of an international cargo hub in Nigeria is not without its challenges. These can include high operational expenses, the need for continuous infrastructure upgrades, and streamlining customs processes to ensure efficiency and transparency. However, the strong collaboration between the Plateau State Government UNDER Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and FAAN, coupled with proactive engagement with investors and development finance institutions, signals a determined effort to overcome these hurdles.
This strategic partnership represents a powerful declaration of economic independence for Plateau State’s farmers. A significant step towards realizing Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential on the global stage. When fully operational, the Yakubu Gowon International Cargo Airport is a game-changer, fostering sustainable economic growth, improving food security. This solidify Plateau State’s position as a premier food cargo hub for West Africa and Africa at large.