Gombe State Governor in Northeast Nigeria, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has given his official approval to the establishment of a task force. The objective is to relocate the three main motor parks in the Gombe metropolis to the newly constructed and contemporary metro motor park along Dukku Road. This decision aims to ensure a seamless and organized transition of operations from the current motor parks to the state-of-the-art Mega Park.
The three motor parks set to be relocated are Bauchi Motor Park, Dukku Motor Park, and Dadinkowa Motor Park.
The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, conveyed the approval on behalf of the Governor. He emphasized that this measure will result in a well-coordinated shift, allowing for a smooth continuation of services at the new Mega Park.
The task force has been assigned several key responsibilities. Firstly, they are to assess the vehicular capacity of the Gombe Ultra-Modern Motor Park, as well as evaluate the three major motor parks in the Gombe metropolis (Bauchi Motor Park, Dukku Motor Park, and Dadinkowa Motor Park) in terms of their vehicular capacity.
In addition to assessing vehicular capacity, the task force will also evaluate private business structures within the motor parks. These structures include but are not limited to food stalls, cafes, restaurants, restrooms, waiting areas, luggage storage, parking spaces, and resting spaces. The aim is to ascertain whether the facilities at the Mega Park can adequately accommodate the facilities of all three Metropolitan Motor Parks, with priority given to Bauchi and Dukku Motor Parks.
Furthermore, the task force has been mandated to collect comprehensive data on privately-owned property within the Metropolitan Motor Parks. This includes information concerning ownership, acquisition, location, size, condition, and any unique features for valuation purposes. The team will assess each legally-acquired private property to determine its fair market value, particularly within Bauchi Motor Park and its vicinity.
Based on the findings of the assessment, the task force will recommend appropriate compensation or necessary actions, if applicable.
The task force will also identify property holders whose businesses are relevant and compatible with motor park operations. These property holders will have the right of first refusal in relocating to the Mega Park.
With regards to the transition process, the task force will recommend measures to ensure a smooth and organized shift of operations from the current motor parks to the Mega Park. They will also provide advice to those affected by any legal requirements or regulations related to the relocation process. Additionally, the task force will make any other recommendations that may contribute to fair property valuation, thereby ensuring a successful and hassle-free relocation process.
The task force has been given a timeline of 30 days to submit their comprehensive report.
Key members of the task force include Assitant Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Bappa (rtd) as Chairman, the Chairman of the Gombe State Urban Planning and Development Authority Bappayo Samanja Maudo, Group Captain Peter Bilal (rtd), and relevant Directors from the Ministries of Housing and Urban Development, Local Government, Works and Transportation. A relevant Director from the Gombe Geographic Information System, GOGIS, is also part of the team.
Additional representatives include the Caretaker Chairman of Gombe Local Government Council or his representative, as well as representatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, and the Federal Road Safety Commission.
Furthermore, the task force includes a representative from the Nigerian Society of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Branch Chairmen of the National Association of Road Transport Owners, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, and the National Union of Road Transport Workers.
Lastly, Muhammad Isah Usman from the Ministry of Justice and Mr. Brahim Yusuf 3000 (representing the coalition of civil society groups) serve as additional members. The role of Secretary will be fulfilled by the Managing Director of Gombe Revenue Optimization Company.
