The recent closure of the popular NTA Park in Jos has sparked protests from park members, who are resisting the relocation of operations to the newly built Ngo Talatu Jang Motor Park in Bukuru.
Leading the protest at NTA Park, Ibrahim Babangida voiced strong dissatisfaction with the government’s decision to move the park to a more distant location without providing sufficient reasons. Babangida argued that the relocation would inconvenience passengers and displace drivers and others who rely on the park for their livelihoods. Miss Victoria David and Tochukwu Ofordike also echoed these concerns, stating they were unprepared for the move.
In response, Hon. Peter Vwang-Dung, Chairman of Jos South Local Government Area, clarified the rationale behind the closure. “The park at MTN opposite NTA is not supposed to be a park. That place is a residential area, not a commercial one,” he stated. Vwang-Dung emphasized that the new central motor park in Bukuru was established to centralize operations and adhere to the city’s master plan. “We are not going to use two motor parks, only one. That is why they are asked to come here and work with us at Bukuru Express Dbzang junction.”
Vwang-Dung highlighted the benefits of the new park, noting that it would enhance security and proper management. He assured that passengers boarding vehicles from the new park would have their details recorded for safety and traceability.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Davou Jang, also weighed in, stating that the NTA Park had been an illegal establishment. He reinforced that the relocation was part of a broader city renewal initiative led by Governor Mutfwang, aimed at clearing illegal structures and ensuring compliance with the city’s master plan. “The illegal parks within the city center need to move to the ultra-modern park in Bukuru,” Jang asserted.
Despite claims from some park members that they were not adequately informed about the move, Vwang-Dung countered that multiple meetings had been held with all stakeholders, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers, and that a deadline had been set and communicated well in advance.
The new Ngo Talatu Jang Motor Park, commissioned in March, is now fully operational. The local government and state authorities are determined to enforce the relocation, with plans to form a task force to ensure compliance. The move is part of a comprehensive strategy to improve urban planning, security, and transport efficiency in Jos.
