After 15 years of conflict, the longstanding issues plaguing the Apo Mechanic Village in Abuja have finally been resolved. Felix Obuah, the Coordinator of the Abuja Municipal Management Council (AMMC), announced this significant development to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in collaboration with the AMMC, has unveiled plans to commence the relocation of mechanics and traders currently operating on road corridors and buffer zones to the Wassa community. This decision follows a meeting between Obuah and representatives from 17 recognized unions and 16 additional groups, where it was revealed that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved the allocation of land in Wassa for the relocation.
The Apo Mechanic Village has faced numerous challenges over the years, including threats of demolition and relocation by the FCT administration, overcrowding affecting over 1,000 traders, environmental concerns leading to eviction orders, and conflicts among more than 50 unions. These unions have now been consolidated into four to streamline the relocation process.
“This issue of Apo Mechanic and traders has lasted for over 15 years. I have been in office for just three months, and we have settled the issue. Today, they are happy, they are smiling, and we are smiling,” said Obuah.
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. The minister has approved it, and even the task force to effect the movement is being set up.”
The relocation process will involve a thorough enumeration, requiring traders and mechanics to provide their National Identification Numbers (NIN) to prevent double registration. Allocations will be made to individuals rather than unions, but union cooperation will be essential to facilitate the process. Obuah assured that the new location in the Wassa community would be a permanent solution, with the relocation expected to occur within the next month.
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