The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has assured the Plateau State Government of the Authority’s support in the state’s ambition to become a major hub for agricultural produce and improve Nigeria’s economy through Aviacargo business.
She said this during a reception for the Governor of Plateau State, Mr Caleb Mutfwang at the Yakubu Gowon International Airport, Jos.
The Chief Executive of FAAN who led top management staff of the aviation agency to the meeting, described the state as rich in agrarian produce worthy of trade locally and globally.
She demonstrated the Authority’s readiness to collaborate with the state government in setting up its cargo terminal.
Kuku also advised the state not wait for provision of major cargo handling infrastructure at the airport before it can benefit from marketing its farm produce across the country.
“Your Excellency, Plateau State is poised to stand as one of Nigeria’s leaders in producing and transporting agricultural produce,” she said. “My team is willing to work very closely with you and the expanded aviance cargo team. While we may need to put up some major cargo infrastructure, I don’t think we need to wait. I will suggest that we make this modular. Let’s start within our immediate environments. 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, crating, storing and transporting these produce all across the country. The possibilities are endless.”
In his response, Governor Mutfwang thanked Mrs Kuku for FAAN’s enthusiasm for the cargo business and promised to push on until the state’s ambitions are met.
Obiageli Orah Director Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN in a statement said the Managing Director used the opportunity provided by the visit to tour the facilities at the airport and had a fruitful engagement with the staff.
