Plateau State Targets Lagos Market For Air Cargo Shipment Of Farm Produce

The Plateau State Government through the Ministry of Transport has moved closer to launching an air cargo transportation system for strawberries and other agricultural products following an inspection tour of a designated cargo space at the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Yakubu Gowon Airport Plateau State.

The inspection forms part of preparations to begin the movement of farm produce from Jos to Lagos and other states through Value Jet Airlines, with the aim of addressing persistent marketing and transportation challenges faced by farmers in the state.

According to the Plateau State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Jatau Davou Gyang, represented by the Director, Transport Engineering, Engr. Jethro Shikmang, Plateau is known for its rich variety of fruits and vegetables, yet limited access to external markets has often resulted in heavy post-harvest losses as perishable produce fails to reach down buyers on time.

He explained that the air cargo plan represents the
second phase of an existing Memorandum of Understanding between the state government and Value Jet, which initially focused on passenger services.

He revealed that this new phase is designed to expand the partnership to include the transportation of agricultural products, creating faster access to major markets and improving the overall agricultural value chain.

During the tour, the acting Airport Manager, Chief Ponsak Rindaps and Bolcit Musa, the Head of Public Affairs confirmed that a cargo space has already been provided, giving the state a starting point for the project. They added that the Ministry of Transport only need further technical and operational details from FAAN, which would guide government decisions and accelerate the commencement of the initiative.

Meanwhile, consideration is also being given to whether the cargo facility will be owned and managed by the government or transferred to private operators or farmers. However, this decision would depend on FAAN’s recommendations and the cost implications. Where the financial burden is beyond the capacity of farmers, the government is expected to provide initial support to encourage participation and help farmers adapt to the new system until it becomes self-sustaining.

FAAN officials guided the inspection team through the proposed storage and processing area where agricultural products would be handled before being loaded onto aircraft. The volume of produce transported per flight would depend on airline capacity, and FAAN has indicated readiness to support the operation.

The inspected market space includes a large expanse of land, a security outpost, and a revenue office requiring minor renovation. An uncompleted sanitation facility at the site will also need to be completed to meet operational and hygiene requirements.