The Plateau State government, under the leadership of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, is taking significant strides to transform the state’s transportation sector, aiming to establish Plateau as a hub for efficient and seamless travel.
Honourable Commissioner for Transport, Davou Gyang Jatau, recently outlined several key projects and developments to Newsmen at the Joseph Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos. These initiatives are intended to improve both road and air transport infrastructure, while also supporting the state’s agricultural economy.
One of the main highlights of the state’s ongoing efforts is the expansion of Yakubu Gowon Airport into a cargo hub, a project that will help decongest traffic in the city of Jos and facilitate the export of agricultural products.
Jatau explained that the vision is for Plateau State to meet national and international transportation standards, ensuring that travel within the city becomes more efficient. “The government aims to ensure that anyone driving to any point in the town should, within their estimated time, get to that destination without unnecessary obstructions,” he said.
The commissioner also addressed the challenges the state faced when the Yakubu Gowon Airport was decertified due to the absence of essential equipment, such as firefighting trucks and ambulances. However, he noted that Governor Mutfwang swiftly addressed these issues by approving funds to repair the airport’s firefighting truck and procure an ambulance, which led to the recertification of the airport. These improvements, he explained, are key to positioning Plateau State as a reliable transportation hub.
Speaking on the recertification process, the commissioner said, “The airport lacked essential equipment like firefighting trucks and ambulances, which are prerequisites for certification. However, the governor quickly approved the necessary funds to fix these issues, and we are now back on track.”
The Honourable Commissioner also highlighted the state’s collaboration with airlines to improve flight accessibility. “Before our assumption of office, there were no direct flights between Jos and Abuja. The government quickly addressed this by partnering with Value Jet, securing a deal worth 57 million Naira monthly to open the route,” Jatau said, emphasizing the impact this development has had on reducing travel time and enhancing safety.
In addition to improving flight connections, Jatau revealed plans to expand daily flight services, which would benefit business owners. “Within a week, we will be signing an agreement with Value Jet to ensure daily flights. This will give business people the option of flying to Lagos, conducting transactions, and returning the next day,” he stated, underscoring the administration’s commitment to supporting commerce.
The commissioner also pointed out the expansion of the airport’s capacity to support agribusiness, saying, “The expansion into agribusiness will ensure that perishable goods, such as potatoes and strawberries, can be exported globally. Farmers will now have access to markets beyond Plateau State, encouraging them to increase production.”
Jatau assured the public that the state government is fully committed to delivering these projects, noting that all necessary agreements with the Federal Ministry of Aviation and other stakeholders are near completion. He concluded, “Within the next few days, final agreements will be signed to ensure the smooth running of train services, complementing the ongoing airport expansions.”
