In a major step towards enhancing Nigeria’s position on the global economic stage, the Plateau State Government and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to transform Yakubu Gowon Airport, Heipang, into an international cargo airport. The project is set to facilitate the export of agricultural produce from Plateau State to international markets.
The MoU was signed at FAAN headquarters in Lagos, with Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang representing the Plateau State Government and Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, FAAN’s Managing Director/CEO, signing on behalf of the Federal Government.
According to Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, the signing took place on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Governor Mutfwang described the move as a long-awaited breakthrough:
“The Jos Airport, which began operations in 1972, is one of Nigeria’s oldest. Jos has always served as a regional agricultural hub in Northern Nigeria. This dream of turning it into a cargo export facility has been in the pipeline for years — today, it’s finally taking shape.”
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for the collaboration:
“Without the President’s support and commitment, this milestone would have remained a dream.”
Mutfwang added that his administration has been intentional about promoting agribusiness. He referenced the creation of the Plateau Commodities and Marketing Agency, tasked with aggregating farm produce to meet export standards. He also highlighted a renewed wave of investor confidence in the state, evident from Plateau’s rising hotel occupancy rates — among the highest in the country.
On her part, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku praised the Plateau State Government’s level of readiness and commitment to positioning the state as a commercial and logistics hub:
“The establishment of the Commodity Marketing Agency is impressive. One of the main challenges in Nigeria’s export sector is aggregating farm produce in volumes that meet international demand. Plateau is clearly taking the right steps.”
Kuku stated that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu and expressed hope that institutions such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) will support the project financially. She also called on investors to take advantage of this emerging opportunity:
“Now is the time. Plateau State has the agricultural resources, FAAN brings the infrastructure and expertise — together, we can unlock the state’s full export potential. We welcome investments in tourism, logistics, and transport systems that can connect farmers to global markets.”
Kuku also mentioned plans to establish an Inland Dry Port to serve as a key evacuation and storage facility, improving export logistics.
She concluded with a powerful message:
“Today’s agreement is more than a document — it’s a declaration of economic freedom for our farmers. We are not just expanding infrastructure; we are fulfilling a vision. One day, future generations will remember this as the turning point that positioned Plateau as a global trade and investment destination.”
