FAAN, Plateau Govt launch food cargo hub to curb N3.5trn annual food waste
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Plateau State Government have entered into a strategic partnership to establish a dedicated food cargo hub at Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, aimed at tackling Nigeria’s staggering N3.5 trillion annual food wastage and positioning the state as a major player in international agricultural exports.
Under the agreement, Plateau State will provide funding for the development of critical infrastructure, while FAAN will offer technical expertise, regulatory oversight and ensure aviation security.
The initiative will upgrade Yakubu Gowon Airport into an international cargo airport, transforming Plateau into a key logistics centre for fresh produce and processed agricultural goods, with direct access to global markets.
Speaking at the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony held at FAAN headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the project as a defining moment in the history of Nigerian agricultural exports.
“This marks a significant milestone. While the world is hungry for our produce, our farmers are trapped by lack of access to viable markets. That must change,” Mutfwang said.
He described Plateau as far more than a point on the map, calling it “a testament to nature’s generosity” with its fertile soil and temperate climate that have supported generations of agricultural activity.
“For years, our farmers have cultivated high-quality potatoes, maize, vegetables and fruits. Yet so much of that effort goes to waste because of poor storage, limited logistics, and a lack of access to export channels,” he said.
Mutfwang said the new cargo hub is about more than just bricks and mortar. “This is not merely infrastructure; it is about building futures, unlocking opportunities, and propelling Plateau’s agricultural wealth to the world stage.”
He urged investors and stakeholders to support the broader ecosystem by developing packaging centres, storage facilities and transportation networks that will integrate Plateau’s farmers into the global supply chain.
“This is a declaration of economic freedom for our farmers. We are not just modernising an airport; we are modernising aspirations,” he added.
FAAN Managing Director and Chief Executive, Olubunmi Kuku, praised the initiative as a model for the type of state-federal cooperation that will be critical in realising President Bola Tinubu’s goal of transforming Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
“This partnership represents the kind of thinking that can move this country forward. Plateau has the produce, we have the aviation expertise, and the world is waiting for what we have to offer,” Kuku said.
She outlined the scope of the development, which will include a modern cargo terminal, runway and apron expansion, temperature-controlled cold rooms, warehouses, cargo baggage X-ray systems, surveillance installations and advanced security equipment.
Kuku confirmed that the Plateau State Government will recoup its investment through operational revenues and commercial ventures linked to the project.
“This is a win-win. With the right infrastructure, Nigeria can finally begin to monetise its agricultural surplus in a structured, sustainable way,” she said.
The initiative is expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, open up international trade routes for Nigerian farmers, and stimulate local economies across the agricultural value chain.
By combining government commitment with private-sector potential and regulatory support, the project aims to establish Plateau State as a leading food cargo hub and position Nigeria as a reliable source of agricultural exports on the global stage.
