Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the long-awaited relocation of Apo Mechanics and traders to Wassa has finally been actualised under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Wike made the declaration on Thursday after inspecting several ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, including the Wassa informal sector roads, Road CN2 in Katampe, OSEX Main Carriageways and the Gaduwa Road project.
Speaking on the Wassa project, the minister described the relocation of mechanics and traders from Apo as a major achievement that previous administrations failed to accomplish.
“This is another promise made and another promise fulfilled. The issue of Apo Mechanics relocation has been a thorny issue since the administration of the FCT, but thank God, under the administration of Bola Tinubu, it is no longer a promise; it is now a fulfilled promise,” he said.
According to Wike, road construction within the informal sector site is nearing completion, while plans are underway to install solar-powered streetlights and water infrastructure to support business operations in the area.
“You can see the roads are almost completed. Very soon they will start putting the solar streetlights and then they will put water scheme,” he stated.
The minister said the development would create a more organised environment for artisans and traders while also boosting the Internally Generated Revenue of the FCT through increased commercial activities.
“If business is taking place, we will collect revenue. That will increase the IGR of the FCT. We have provided the infrastructure needed; it is now left for people to come in and establish their businesses,” he added.
At the OSEX Main Carriageway project, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, particularly the completion of a major bridge, which he said surpassed his expectations.
“I was shocked that the bridge had been launched because when we were there last, they said in two to three weeks they would complete it and I didn’t believe it,” he said.
The minister also directed that the OSEX II road project be extended to Wassa Junction, covering about 10 kilometres, to improve traffic flow and connectivity in the area.
“I instructed the Executive Secretary of the FCDA that from where the OSEX road stopped, they should extend it to the end of Wassa Junction,” he stated.
Wike further commended the quality of work on the Road CN2 project near Gishiri, where contractors have begun installing streetlights and walkways.
“The projects we inspected today are almost 100 per cent completed. The quality of work is impressive,” he added.
The minister also defended the FCT Administration’s policy on land allocation, insisting that allocations to investors, diplomats and media organisations were lawful and aimed at encouraging development.
According to him, media organisations criticising government land allocations had themselves benefited from similar arrangements in the past.
“Media organisations are businesses, not charity organisations. Government allocated land to some of them and they are carrying out their businesses there,” he said.
Wike maintained that the FCT Administration allocates land strictly for development purposes and reserves the right to revoke allocations where allottees fail to develop the property within approved timelines.
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