Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike has approved the relocation of traders from Apo Mechanic Village to Wassa in Abuja.
The Coordinator of Abuja Municipal Management Council (AMCC), Felix Obuah, disclosed this to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to him, the AMCC has concluded plans and will commence the relocation of mechanics and traders operating on road corridors and buffer zones to Wassa by next month.
Obuah explained that the move brings resolution to the over fifteen years of conflict that has plagued the Apo Mechanic Village, adding that the new location in the Wassa community will be a permanent solution.
The Apo Mechanic Village has been reportedly plagued by overcrowding affecting over 1,000 traders and environmental concerns which has led to orders to vacate the area.
The development resulted in demand for traders and mechanics to provide their NIN amid conflicts between over 50 unions, which have now been consolidated into four.
Obuah said, “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.
“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 had approved, and even the task force to effect the movement is being set up.”
Obuah stressed that the enumeration process will be thorough, requiring traders and mechanics to provide their NIN to prevent double registration.
He also clarified that allocations will be made to individuals, not unions, but union cooperation is necessary to facilitate the process.
