Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has again pledged to relocate traders at the popular Apo Mechanic Village in Gudu District of Abuja after previous administrations failed to do so for over two decades.
Wike restated this when he met again with the traders on Friday.
Below is full text of the statement issued by the Office of the FCT Minister:
FCTA PRESS RELEASE
FCT MINISTER MEETS APO MECHANICS AND TRADERS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO RELOCATION TO WASA
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, on Friday, June 20, 2025, held a crucial meeting with the Apo Mechanics and Traders Association, reassuring them of the Administration’s plan to relocate them to a new, modern site in Wasa District.
The meeting, which took place at the Apo Mechanic Village, shortly after a commissioning engagement, was part of ongoing efforts to ensure a smooth and inclusive relocation process that addresses the interests and welfare of the affected artisans and business owners which has lingered for more than 20 years.
Addressing the delegation, the Honourable Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining order, promoting safety, and ensuring proper land use within the Federal Capital Territory.
He commended the mechanics and traders for their contributions to the local economy and acknowledged their cooperation so far.
The FCT Minister clarified that the relocation process was not aimed at displacing the traders, stressing that it was being done to ensure that businesses are conducted in a planned and organized environment.
“We are not pushing anyone out. What we are doing is ensuring that business activities are conducted in a planned, organized environment that supports growth, safety as the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu promised”, the Minister stated, adding that the Wasa relocation site is being prepared to better accommodate the traders.
He assured the group that the new site at Wasa will be equipped with modern infrastructure, including internal road networks, water supply, power, and designated zones for various trades to operate efficiently.
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The Minister also directed relevant FCTA departments and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to expedite infrastructure development at the Wasa site and work closely with representatives of the traders to ensure a transparent and participatory transition process.
Representatives of the Apo Mechanics and Traders expressed appreciation and joy for the Minister’s direct engagement and pledged their continued cooperation with the FCT Administration.
The relocation of mechanics and traders from Apo to Wasa is part of a broader strategy by the FCT Administration to decongest overcrowded informal settlements, restore environmental sanity, and promote the orderly development of the city.
Also present during the meeting were the Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Christopher Maikalangu, former Senator representing the FCT at the National Assembly, Senator Philip Aduda, Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, Heads of land related Departments of the FCT Administration, among others.
RABI MUSA UMAR
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, PRESS
(OFFICE OF THE HON. MINISTER)
20/06/2025
FCTA/ODP/PR/708
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
