The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has sanctioned the relocation of traders and mechanics from Apo Mechanic Village in Abuja to Wassa. This was announced on Tuesday by Felix Obuah, the Coordinator of the Abuja Municipal Management Council (AMMC).
Obuah revealed that the AMMC has finalized plans to commence the relocation next month, moving mechanics and traders currently operating on road corridors and buffer zones to the new location in Wassa. This move aims to resolve a conflict that has plagued Apo Mechanic Village for over fifteen years.
Addressing a meeting of 17 recognized unions and 16 other groups, Obuah stated, “This issue of Apo Mechanic and traders has lasted for over 15 years. I am just three months old in this office and we have settled the issue. Today they are happy, they are smiling and we are smiling.”
He added, “We’ve decided to relocate all the traders on the road corridor, buffer zone, and the right of way to Wassa any moment from now and they are all happy. As I speak, the minister has approved, and even the task force to effect the movement is being set up.”
The Apo Mechanic Village has faced numerous challenges, including threats of demolition and relocation by the FCT administration, overcrowding affecting over 1,000 traders, environmental concerns leading to orders to vacate the area, and conflicts among over 50 unions, which have now been consolidated into four.
Obuah emphasized that the enumeration process will be thorough, requiring traders and mechanics to provide their National Identification Number (NIN) to prevent double registration. He clarified that allocations will be made to individuals, not unions, although union cooperation is necessary to facilitate the process.
This relocation to Wassa is expected to provide a permanent solution to the longstanding issues faced by the Apo Mechanic Village community.
