In a move set to unlock new economic opportunities in northern Nigeria, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Plateau State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the expansion and upgrade of the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Heipang, to serve as a regional hub for agricultural produce and cargo exports.
The partnership, sealed on Tuesday in Jos, aims to position the airport as a central logistics point for the airlifting of fresh farm produce to both local and international markets, a strategic step in boosting Nigeria’s non-oil exports and strengthening the agricultural value chain.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, officials from FAAN and Plateau State Government underscored the critical role aviation can play in facilitating agribusiness and driving inclusive economic growth. The upgraded cargo terminal is expected to provide state-of-the-art facilities for processing, packaging, cold storage, and logistics, aligning with global standards for perishable exports.
The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, lauded the initiative as a visionary intervention that reflects the federal government’s renewed focus on improving infrastructure to support economic diversification. She reiterated FAAN’s readiness to provide technical and operational support to ensure the airport meets international cargo handling benchmarks.
On his part, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the project as a game-changer for the state’s predominantly agrarian economy. He noted that Plateau’s unique weather conditions and fertile highland terrain make it ideal for growing high-value crops such as Irish potatoes, vegetables, and flowers, all of which stand to benefit from direct air cargo access.
“This MoU is not just about infrastructure; it is about creating markets for our farmers, reducing post-harvest losses, attracting investment, and making Plateau a strategic gateway for agricultural exports in West Africa,” Governor Mutfwang said.
The collaboration also aligns with the federal government’s National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) and complements ongoing efforts to improve Nigeria’s ease of doing agribusiness, reduce food wastage, and enhance foreign exchange earnings through non-oil sectors.
Once completed, the revamped Yakubu Gowon Airport will also support domestic passenger traffic and serve as a catalyst for tourism and commerce in the North-Central zone. The project is expected to be executed in phases, with an implementation committee set to be inaugurated in the coming weeks.
The signing of the MoU marks a bold step toward transforming Plateau State into a hub of agricultural excellence, driven by aviation logistics and supported by modern infrastructure that connects farmers to global markets.
