The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Plateau State Government to establish a food cargo terminal at Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos, aiming to reduce the estimated N3.5 trillion worth of food wasted annually across Nigeria.

FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, announced the initiative during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing event held in Lagos. She emphasized that while Plateau State would provide the financial backing necessary for infrastructure development, FAAN would contribute technical expertise, operational guidance, and security support.

Kuku highlighted the state’s agricultural potential, describing Plateau as a region blessed with a temperate climate and fertile soil that supports year-round farming. She noted the persistent challenge of market inaccessibility, which has led to the wastage of high-quality produce like potatoes, maize, vegetables, and fruits. According to her, this partnership is a significant step toward achieving President Bola Tinubu’s goal of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

“This is more than a project—it’s a turning point. For too long, farmers have watched their efforts go unrewarded due to broken promises and logistical challenges. Today, we lay a foundation for sustainable agricultural trade,” Kuku stated.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang echoed similar sentiments, expressing concern over the paradox of Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential and the difficulty farmers face in accessing both local and global markets.

He described the partnership as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s agricultural export history.

“Our farmers have worked tirelessly to produce export-grade crops, yet have been held back by poor logistics. This collaboration is not just about modernizing an airport—it’s about transforming livelihoods and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s agriculture,” Mutfwang said.