Business activities has started at the Maiduguri Mordern Motor Park which has an International Market with 475 shops.
The modern park project executed by the Gov. Babagana Zulum administration was inaugurated by former President Buhari on March 2, but remain closed for nine months to enable the park committee to allocate shops and spaces to various business groups.
Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the park know as “New Tashan Bama Motor Park and Market”, Bamai Mustafa, said it was a big relief to drivers and traders when the park commenced full operations on Tuesday.
Mustafa said travellers were trooping in to shop and board vehicles to major towns within the state and outside the state like border towns of Banki and Mubi.
He lauded Borno Government for the project and assured the commitment of beneficiaries to ensure proper management of the park to promote transport and other businesses with neighbouring states and countries like Chad and Cameroon.
“We will reciprocate the government on this viable project through proper utilization of facilities provided and ensuring security,” Mustafa said.
Some drivers, passengers and shop owners who spoke also expressed their happiness and stressed the need for proper maintenance culture and sanitation in the park inline with its standard.
“The park plan need to be maintained by not allowing any illegal structure, while the trees planted at strategic locations need to be nurtured to maturity to enhance the fresh environment,” Ndotti Abba, a shop owner said.
Some students and staff of University of Maiduguri that is located near the park, said it would provide them where to shop for provisions and other food items without them going far into the town for their shoppings.
“As you can see the park and market are modern and a trekking distance from the university.
“Staff and students don’t need to pay transport to come here and shop for foodstuff.
“It’s also a relief to us as where to shop and board vehicles when travelling,” Yahaya Lawan, a student said.