The Yobe State Government has paid N60 million compensations to
farmers; complete the Trucks Transit Park (TTP) project.
The payments were made for the release of 50 hectres of farmlands to
site the project in Potiskum.
While speaking on stages of completion Wednesday in Damaturu, the
Commissioner of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Barma Shettima;
disclosed that; “The trucks’ transit park project; has reached 85 per
cent completion.
“The state government has expended N243 million on the perimeter
fencing of Potiskum Modern Truck Transit park.”
According to him, the trailer park, after completion, will be
furnished with electricity, portable water, access road, police post
and a clinic to meet drivers’ healthcare needs, while in transit.
He added that the project, will also create 5, 000 jobs for the
unemployed youths.
Besides job creation; the project when completed could decongest
Potiskum town, which accommodates the highest number of trucks in
northern Nigeria.
He noted that the project that commenced last year; was executed
singlehandedly by the state government to complete it.
“This is contrary to the earlier plan of partnership with the Nigerian
Shippers’ Council (NSC).
“Initially, we thought the trailer park will be built in collaboration
with NSC; but that did not happen,” he lamented.
He therefore; said taht government alone decided to continue fund the
project in view of its socio-economic significance to our people.”
He said that the project’s main design was advertised with the
conclusion of bidding process for emergence of a contractor for
project.
He said the contractor had submitted a bill of quantity and proposed
design for main project, adding that relevant agencies are presently
scrutinising the document.
While laying foundation for project last year, the Nigerian Shippers
Council; Executive Secretary and CEO, Hassan Bello, had said:
“Transport is a critical determinant in the conduct of domestic and
international trade, with great impacts on national and international
economic growth and development.
“The safety and efficiency of transport services influenced the
trading environment and competitiveness of exported and imported goods
and services at international markets.”
