FAAN, Plateau partner to bridge N3.5tn food waste with cargo hub

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Plateau State government have partnered to build a food cargo hub at Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, to address the staggering N3.5 trillion worth of food that perishes annually in Nigeria.

The partnership aims to upgrade the Plateau State airport into an international cargo airport, boosting exports and transforming the state into a premier food cargo hub.

The collaboration will see the state government provide financing for facility upgrades, while FAAN delivers professional expertise, guidance, and security.

Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau State Governor, who spoke on Wednesday during the signing of MOU between FAAN and his State at FAAN’s office in Lagos, said this initiative marks a historic turning point in Nigerian agricultural exports.

Mutfwang lamented that despite the country’s rich agricultural resources, global markets hunger for produce while Nigerian farmers struggle to access markets.

The governor emphasized that Plateau State is more than just a dot on Nigeria’s map; it’s a testament to nature’s generosity, with breathtaking landscapes and fertile soils that have sustained families and fed the nation for generations.

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He noted that for years, farmers have toiled, producing world-class potatoes, maize, vegetables, and fruits, only to see their hard work wither away due to limited market access.

Mutfwang highlighted that this partnership is not just about building infrastructure but about building dreams, creating opportunities, and unleashing Plateau’s boundless agricultural potential onto the global stage.

He invited stakeholders to invest in packaging facilities, storage solutions, and transportation infrastructure that will connect farmers to the world.

The Plateau State governor said the partnership is a declaration of economic independence for farmers and a step towards making Nigeria’s agricultural promise a reality. “We are not just upgrading an airport – we are upgrading dreams,” he added.

Olubunmi Kuku, FAAN Managing Director and Chief Executive noted that the partnership is a blueprint for the kind of collaboration that will drive Nigeria toward President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a one trillion-dollar economy by 2030.

Kuku emphasized that Plateau State stands ready with its rich resources, FAAN stands ready with its expertise, and the markets stand ready for the produce.

The partnership will involve the development and installation of critical infrastructure, including a cargo terminal, runway expansion, apron expansion, cold room, warehouse, cargo baggage X-ray machines, security equipment, and surveillance systems. The Plateau State government will recover its investment through operations and commercial exploitations of the project.

This initiative is expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s agricultural sector, enabling farmers to access global markets and reducing food waste. With FAAN’s expertise and the state government’s commitment, the project is poised to transform Plateau State into a premier food cargo hub and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.