In a bid to increase Nigeria’s participation in the global air cargo value chain, projected to reach $310 billion in the next few years, the Federal Government and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) are collaborating with state governments to develop air transport infrastructure.
According to FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the authority is willing to support Plateau State’s ambition to establish a cargo terminal at Jos Airport, leveraging the state’s agricultural resources. “We can start marketing some of your perishable items and creating market days when we invite people from across the country to fly in and buy these products. That will spur those who are willing to invest in testing, packaging, creating, storing, and transporting these produce all across the country. The possibilities are endless,” she said.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, expressed gratitude for FAAN’s support, promising continued efforts to achieve the goal. He noted that FAAN’s enthusiasm demonstrates its commitment to supporting Plateau State’s economic growth through agriculture.
The partnership aims to designate several states, including Plateau, Ogun, Nassarawa, Anambra, Ebonyi, Kano, and Lagos, as air cargo hubs. International financial institutions like the African Development Bank (AfDB) have invested in a quality assurance and testing facility in Sagamu, Ogun State, for the Gateway Agro-Cargo Airport in Ilisan Remo. An air cargo village is also under construction at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
The collaboration seeks to establish cargo processing centers to ensure international standards for air freight. With the global air cargo value chain recovering and growing, Nigeria is poised to become a major player in the industry.
