02/07/2025
TARABA STATE’S DUAL AIRPORT STRATEGY: UNLOCKING TRADE, MINERAL WEALTH, AGRICULTURE, AND REGIONAL PROSPERITY
Taraba State is standing on the edge of a major economic breakthrough, one that promises to transform our story for generations to come. With two fully functional airports, the Danbaba Suntai Airport in Jalingo and the TY Danjuma Airport in Kashimbila, Taraba is no longer a quiet corner of Nigeria. We are fast becoming a center of regional trade, cross-border commerce, and industrial growth.
But aviation is just one part of a bigger picture. Taraba is richly blessed with vast, fertile land and a wealth of mineral resources. Now, with solid air infrastructure in place, these blessings are no longer hidden, they’re ready to fuel an economic rise that lifts people out of poverty, attracts investors from across the globe, and provides real opportunities for our young people.
Two Airports, One Vision: Growth Without Limits
With both Danbaba Suntai and TY Danjuma Airports in operation, Taraba is now a dual-aviation force in Nigeria’s Northeast.
The Danbaba Suntai Airport in Jalingo is currently undergoing massive upgrades to become a modern commercial and cargo hub, capable of moving time-sensitive goods like fresh produce, livestock, and light-manufactured items.
Meanwhile, the TY Danjuma Airport in Kashimbila, located close to the Cameroon border, opens up a world of opportunity for seamless cross-border trade, linking us directly with Central and West African markets.
Together, these airports give Taraba fast, secure, and efficient access to local, regional, and international markets.
A Land of Agriculture and Minerals: The Sleeping Giant Awakens
Taraba has always been a giant in agriculture, now, it's time for that giant to fully awaken.
We are one of Nigeria’s most productive agricultural states, growing:
Rice, maize, yam, cassava, soybeans
Groundnuts, sesame, cotton
Mangoes, citrus, coffee, tea, vegetables
Livestock, poultry, and fish
But there’s more: beneath our soil lies a treasure trove of minerals:
Barite, gypsum, limestone, uranium, kaolin
Gold, zinc, blue sapphire, lead, bauxite, and other precious stones
Untapped reserves of industrial and metallic minerals
With our airports in place, these resources are no longer stuck in the ground, they’re ready for development, processing, and global export.
AfCFTA: Taraba’s Bridge to Central and West Africa
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opens a new door for Taraba — a chance to lead in trade across the continent.
What is the AfCFTA?
AfCFTA is a major agreement that unites African countries into one large market for goods and services. It removes tariffs on most products, breaks down trade barriers, and makes it easier for businesses to operate across African borders.
With over 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, AfCFTA is built to boost trade, create jobs, grow industries, and make Africa stronger on the global stage.
Taraba, with its border to Cameroon and proximity to the Central African Republic, is perfectly placed to take full advantage of AfCFTA:
Agricultural Exports: Our farmers can now export fresh and processed foods to neighboring countries and beyond.
Mineral Exports: Our rich solid minerals can reach global markets faster via air cargo.
Trade Logistics: Taraba can become a key center for warehousing, customs processing, and goods transit — especially for trade moving in and out of Nigeria through the East.
This means more revenue, stronger foreign exchange inflows, and growing trade-related investments in our state.
Astronomical Growth: What This Means for Taraba’s Economy
The powerful combination of aviation, agriculture, and mining will ignite exponential economic growth in Taraba. Here's what lies ahead:
Job Creation: Thousands of new jobs in aviation services, agro-processing, mining, logistics, tourism, and trade.
Rural Transformation: Farmers and rural communities will access new markets, earn more, and break free from poverty.
Increased IGR: Our Internally Generated Revenue will rise through increased airport activity, exports, trade tariffs, and taxes.
Youth Empowerment: Young Tarabans will gain access to aviation training, entrepreneurship programs, and new skills.
Investor Confidence: Local and foreign investors will see Taraba as a safe, connected, and opportunity-rich destination.
This is how we move from a landlocked past to a future fully plugged into the world.
Governor Agbu Kefas’ Legacy: Building the Future Today
All of this progress is possible because of the bold leadership of Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas. His Renewed Hope Agenda is not just about infrastructure, it’s about building a future where every Taraban can thrive.
By connecting our skies, opening up our land, and turning our natural riches into economic opportunity, Governor Kefas is placing Taraba on the continental map, as a gateway of trade, growth, and innovation.
From Hidden Potential to National Pride
With two functional airports, abundant natural resources, and strong links to Africa’s biggest trade zones, Taraba is no longer Nigeria’s best-kept secret, we are Nigeria’s next big success story.
We are flying higher, thinking bigger, and moving faster toward shared prosperity.
Under Governor Kefas, the sky is no longer the limit, it’s just the beginning.
Taraba is ready. Taraba is rising. Taraba will lead. Taraba is moving forward.
Joseph Israel
Special Assistant to the Governor of Taraba State on Aviation
