According to FAAN and industry observers, less than 10% of perishable produce makes it to international markets in viable condition, primarily due to a lack of air cargo readiness at regional airports.

Nigeria’s agriculture sector suffers a staggering ₦3.5 trillion in annual food losses, driven largely by poor logistics, inadequate storage, and limited market access. This crisis hits hardest in agriculturally rich states like Plateau, where fertile lands yield abundant crops, yet farmers struggle to move produce beyond local markets. The Plateau cargo hub transformation is now being set in motion to change that trajectory.

This bold initiative is the result of a carefully nurtured partnership between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Plateau State Government. At its core is the transformation of Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, into a dedicated agro-cargo hub—an ambitious project designed to connect Plateau’s farm produce to global markets quickly, efficiently, and at scale.

At a ceremony in Lagos on June 4, 2025, the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, and FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize the project. The move is being positioned as more than infrastructure—it is a national food logistics intervention.

 “When ₦3.5 trillion worth of food perishes annually in Nigeria while global markets hunger for our produce, we know something must change,” Mrs. Kuku said in her address. “Today, that change begins.”

The Plateau Paradox

Plateau State is a paradox in Nigeria’s food supply chain. Despite its year-round temperate climate and rich agricultural output—ranging from potatoes and maize to tomatoes, apples, and strawberries—its produce often rots due to an absence of refrigerated storage, packaging centres, and efficient transport systems.

Farmers, traders, and cooperatives have long lamented the inaccessibility of global markets, even as buyers across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia seek high-quality tropical and temperate produce.

 “We have watched farmers toil, producing world-class crops, only to see their hard work wither away,” Kuku said, describing the new cargo hub as a way to “upgrade dreams, not just an airport.”

Long-Awaited Vision Comes to Life

Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, underscored the significance of the moment, calling it the culmination of a vision long overdue. Speaking at the event, he said:“The Jos Airport is one of the oldest in this country, having started way back in 1972–73. Jos, as you know, is a regional hub in northern Nigeria, particularly for agriculture and produce. For years, the plan to upgrade it into an international cargo airport has remained on the drawing board. Today, we finally see light at the end of the tunnel.”

He reserved special appreciation for the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, whose technical engagement he described as pivotal.

“We had the rare privilege of her visiting Jos Airport last year. We had a meeting right there at the airport, and since then, things took a positive dimension. What we’re doing today is laying the foundation for a story that will be told in the future—a story that will be beautiful, excellent, and add value to Nigeria.”

Jos Set to Reclaim Commercial Relevance

Governor Mutfwang painted a vibrant picture of Plateau’s commercial promise, referencing the region’s potential to become a major agro-commercial hub once again.

“Despite our challenges, Plateau is commercially active. We have one of the highest hotel room occupation rates in the country. And before the Jos Main Market was lost to fire, it was one of the biggest in West Africa. That market is being rebuilt, and Jos is well on its way to becoming the commercial center of northern Nigeria.”

Strengthening Trade and Agricultural Infrastructure

He also revealed ongoing efforts to boost trade logistics and agricultural aggregation:“Last year, we established the Plateau Commodities Marketing Company to serve as an aggregation center for food produce. It will complement the Special Agro-Processing Zone we expect to onboard this year, in partnership with the African Development Bank.”

In closing, the governor called for sustained commitment to ensure the agreement translates into tangible outcomes:

“We will do our part to ensure this MoU does not gather dust on the shelf. With God’s grace and a coordinated operational and financial plan, we will make it a reality—one that benefits Plateau, the nation, and future generations.”

Blueprint for Agricultural Export

The Plateau cargo hub transformation is built on a two-pronged commitment: FAAN will provide aviation expertise, cargo operations know-how, and security infrastructure, while Plateau State commits funding for facility upgrades, including cold storage, packaging and processing infrastructure.

This structure reflects a broader national goal aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a \$1 trillion economy by 2030, of which non-oil exports are expected to be a major driver.

Mrs. Kuku noted that agricultural export remains one of Nigeria’s least optimized sectors despite the country’s vast farming output. According to FAAN and industry observers, less than 10% of perishable produce makes it to international markets in viable condition, primarily due to a lack of air cargo readiness at regional airports.

 “This partnership isn’t just a project. It’s a template—one that could be replicated in other food-producing states,” Kuku emphasized.

Why Airports Matter in Agriculture

Agricultural logistics are time sensitive. Fresh produce needs to move from harvest to consumption in days, not weeks. In countries with advanced agro-export systems, airports play a central role—linking farmers directly to airfreight networks that serve supermarkets, hotels, and food processors worldwide.

Nigeria’s over-reliance on road transport, coupled with limited cargo facilities at secondary airports, creates long delays, spoilage, and value loss.

By transforming the Jos airport into a viable air cargo hub, Plateau is strategically positioning itself to become Nigeria’s epicentre for fresh food exports. Stakeholders say this will create jobs, boost income for rural farmers, and reduce post-harvest losses significantly.

Call for Investment in Logistics

Beyond the government partnership, FAAN is calling for private investment in packaging, processing, and cold-chain infrastructure. The vision is to build an integrated agro-logistics corridor, from Plateau’s farms to international cargo routes.

The agency also urged stakeholders in aviation, trade, and agriculture to view airports not just as passenger terminals but as economic infrastructure critical to food security and national development.

“We invite you to be part of this transformation—to invest in the systems that connect our farmers to the world,” Kuku said.

With Plateau’s fertile soil, a growing logistics ecosystem, and government-backed partnerships now taking root, the Plateau cargo hub transformation may indeed be the long-awaited game changer in Nigeria’s battle against post-harvest losses and missed export opportunities.