The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Plateau State Government have joined forces to transform Jos Airport into a major international cargo hub, aiming to boost export opportunities for the state’s agricultural products.

The project aims to unlock the export potential of Plateau’s rich agricultural produce by establishing modern processing, packaging, and freight facilities that meet global standards.

The initiative, supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), will include the construction of a cargo terminal, expansion of the runway and apron, and development of cold storage, warehouses, and security infrastructure.

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The plan is expected to significantly reduce the estimated ₦3.5 trillion worth of food lost annually in Nigeria due to poor logistics and limited access to global markets.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the Federal Ministry of Aviation for supporting the project, which he described as a strategic move to re-energize Plateau’s agricultural value chain. He noted that the location of Jos, coupled with plans for a nearby dry inland port and a commodities market, positions the state to become a central export hub for Nigerian farm produce.

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Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, highlighted the importance of this project not only in preserving perishable goods but in creating long-term economic opportunities. She emphasized the need for stakeholders, especially investors and private sector players, to support the logistics value chain through investments in packaging, storage, and transportation solutions.

According to the MoU, the Plateau State Government will provide financing for the construction of key facilities, while FAAN will contribute professional expertise, operational management, and regulatory compliance.