The Plateau State Government has entered into a partnership with United Nigeria Airlines to introduce scheduled flight services connecting Jos with Kano and Owerri, in a move aimed at expanding the state’s air connectivity and stimulating economic activities.
Under the agreement, flights on the Jos–Kano and Jos-Owerri routes are expected to commence this month, with each route operating twice weekly.
The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Monday, November 9, at the office of the Plateau State Commissioner for Transport, Jatau Gyang, in Jos.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Gyang said the initiative was part of the state government’s broader strategy to position Plateau as a leading destination for investment, tourism, commerce and other economic opportunities.
He expressed appreciation to the management of United Nigeria Airlines for its confidence in the state’s vision and willingness to partner with the government in advancing its development agenda.
According to him, the selection of Kano and Owerri as destinations was strategic, considering their geographical positions, commercial importance and potential to facilitate connections across different geopolitical zones.
He explained that the Jos-Owerri service would provide residents of Plateau and neighbouring states with improved access to the South-East and South-South regions, opening up opportunities for trade, investment, tourism and social interactions.
“The Jos-Owerri route is particularly significant because of Owerri’s proximity and accessibility to the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones. This connection is expected to provide residents of Plateau State and neighbouring states with improved access to these two important regions, thereby facilitating trade, investment, tourism, social interactions and other economic activities”, Gyang said.
On the Jos-Kano route, the commissioner noted that the service would strengthen the state’s connection with the North-West, particularly Kano, which he described as one of Northern Nigeria’s major commercial and industrial centres.
He said improved access to Kano would create opportunities for business partnerships, trade and economic exchanges, while strengthening Plateau’s position within the national economic network.
Responding on behalf of United Nigeria Airlines, its Managing Director, Mazi Osita Okonkwo, described the agreement as a unique partnership that would strengthen air links among the South-East, South-West and North-Central regions.
Okonkwo described Plateau State as a special and strategically important destination, assuring the government that the airline would deliver the quality of service for which it is known.
He commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his vision and strategic direction, which he said had helped make the partnership possible. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Commissioner for Transport in facilitating the agreement.
“United Nigeria Airlines will deliver on what it is known for, which is excellent customer service. We guarantee that this partnership will be a win-win for everyone”, he said.
The new routes are expected to broaden travel options for passengers within the country while providing more direct connections between Plateau and two commercially significant regional centres.
For Plateau State, the partnership represents an effort to leverage improved air transport connectivity as a catalyst for tourism development, business expansion and greater economic integration with other parts of Nigeria.