Jos Airport and the Plateau Promise: Turning a Sleeping Runway into an Economic Lifeline...How the Yakubu Gowon Airport Could Move Plateau from Agricultural Potential to Prosperity

October 6, 2025

There’s a quiet revolution stirring on the Plateau, one that could redefine the state’s economic future if pursued with sincerity and focus. The Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos (Heipang), long seen as a quiet regional terminal, is finally on the path to transformation. In June 2025, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), led by its Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Plateau State Government under Governor Caleb Mutfwang to upgrade the airport into an agro-cargo hub. The ambition is simple but profound: to make Jos the heartbeat of agricultural export in Nigeria and, eventually, an international cargo destination.

At the moment, the airport operates a few domestic flights each week, serviced by Value Jet and Arik Air. But this limited activity hides a far greater potential. Nigeria loses an estimated ₦3.5 trillion every year to post-harvest waste, produce that never reaches consumers or export markets because of poor logistics and inadequate storage. Plateau, with its cool climate, fertile soil, and abundant yields of perishable crops, sits in a position of advantage. With the right logistics and infrastructure, the state could shift from simply growing food to earning foreign exchange through agricultural exports.

The plan for the airport upgrade includes runway extension, modern terminals, improved navigation and safety systems, and refrigerated storage for perishable goods. Its proximity to the Inland Dry Port also means Jos can serve as a multimodal logistics hub, connecting air, road, and dry port operations. If properly developed, the area could become one of Nigeria’s most efficient export corridors.

Yet, infrastructure alone cannot guarantee success. The real work lies in political commitment and institutional coordination. Plateau needs a functional system that connects farmers, aggregators, and exporters, perhaps through a dedicated commodity marketing or aggregation agency. This would ensure a consistent supply of produce to feed the cargo operations. Without such structure, even the most modern airport would struggle to sustain meaningful cargo traffic.

Plateau’s geographical and agricultural advantages are undeniable. The state’s terrain and weather conditions make it ideal for cultivating vegetables, fruits, and flowers that are in high demand abroad. Its central location also makes Jos a natural logistics bridge between northern production areas and southern consumption and export zones. By reducing dependence on congested ports like Lagos and Port Harcourt, the state could save exporters time and money while improving the freshness and competitiveness of its produce in international markets.

However, for the airport to become economically viable, the approach must be holistic. Infrastructure upgrades must be matched with efficient customs operations, cold-chain logistics, and reliable road networks connecting rural farms to the airport. Farmers should receive training and certification support to ensure their produce meets international export standards. Consistent power supply is critical for cold storage facilities, while regulatory agencies must streamline procedures to avoid delays that could ruin perishable goods.

Financing remains one of the biggest challenges. Transforming the Jos Airport into a cargo hub will require substantial investment. The state government cannot do it alone. A creative funding model that blends public investment with private partnerships and development bank support is essential. Institutions like the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) can play a role, while tax incentives and operational concessions could attract private logistics and cold-chain operators.

The potential rewards are massive. If Jos captures even a fraction of the ₦3.5 trillion lost to post-harvest spoilage, Plateau could build a thriving agro-export economy that boosts its internal revenue, creates jobs, and strengthens local industries. The ripple effects would be transformative, from farmers earning higher incomes, to youths finding work in logistics, packaging, and transport. The Plateau story would shift from one of “potential” to one of “performance.”

Still, success depends on discipline and consistency. Projects like this have failed before, not for lack of promise, but because of half-hearted implementation, political turnover, or bureaucratic bottlenecks. Cargo operations demand precision — any delay in customs or logistics can destroy trust among exporters. To avoid such pitfalls, the Plateau government must focus on policy stability, transparent funding, and professional management.

If the plan succeeds, Jos could soon witness regular cargo flights carrying fresh produce to markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. That would mean less waste, more jobs, more revenue, and a stronger identity for Plateau as an agricultural powerhouse. It would also reinvigorate tourism and passenger traffic, creating a wider economic ecosystem around the airport.

The transformation of Yakubu Gowon Airport is far more than an aviation project; it’s a statement about vision and leadership. It’s about whether Plateau can turn its natural endowment into lasting wealth. The runway at Heipang is more than a strip of tarmac, it’s a metaphor for takeoff, not just for planes, but for the state itself.

Plateau has waited long enough. The engines are running; it’s time to fly.

Nenfort Clifford Gonchen

 Email: ngonchen@gmail.com