In a landmark move aimed at positioning Plateau State on the global economic map, the Plateau State Government and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the transformation of Yakubu Gowon Airport, Heipang, into an International Cargo Airport. This initiative is designed to facilitate the export of agricultural produce from the state to international markets.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang signed the MoU on behalf of the Plateau State Government, while the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, signed on behalf of the Federal Government, held at the FAAN headquarters in Lagos. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to making the airport a major cargo hub in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Governor Mutfwang noted:
“The Jos Airport is one of the oldest in the country, having commenced operations in 1972. Jos is also a regional hub in Northern Nigeria for agriculture and other produce. The idea to upgrade this facility to an international cargo airport has been on the drawing board for years. Today, we are finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel.”
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the enabling environment for the partnership to materialize, stating:
“Without the President’s support and consent, we may not have achieved this milestone.”
The Governor emphasized that the vision of transforming the airport into an international facility, long held by many, is now becoming a reality. He highlighted his administration’s proactive approach, which led to the establishment of the Plateau Commodities and Marketing Agency, tasked with aggregating agricultural produce for export.
Governor Mutfwang further stated that his administration has rekindled hope and restored investor confidence in the state, noting that Plateau now ranks among states with the highest hotel occupancy rates in the country, an indication of growing business activities.
On her part, the FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended the Plateau State Government for its high level of preparedness and commitment to transforming the state into a key destination for commerce and development.
She noted that the MoU aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that:
“I am particularly pleased to learn of the establishment of the Commodity Marketing Agency. One of the major challenges in our export sector is the aggregation of sufficient quantities to meet export demand. It is also critical that our products are export-ready and meet international standards.”
Mrs. Kuku appreciated the support from multilateral and development finance institutions and expressed optimism that the African Development Bank (AfDB) would provide the necessary backing for the initiative.
She made a clarion call to investors:”The time to act is now. This is a golden opportunity for investors to participate in a venture with significant potential returns. Plateau State has the resources, and FAAN has the expertise and networks to drive this transformation. We encourage investments in tourism, logistics, and transport infrastructure that will link our farmers to global markets.”
She also acknowledged plans for an Inland Dry Port, which will serve as a vital storage and evacuation facility to support export logistics.
Mrs. Kuku concluded: “Today, we are not just signing an agreement, we are making a declaration of economic independence for our farmers. We are not merely upgrading an airport; we are elevating our collective dreams. Future generations will look back on this day as the moment Plateau State began its ascent to becoming a premier destination for global trade and investment.”
count | 76
