After 15 years of conflict, the Apo Mechanic Village crisis has finally been resolved. Felix Obuah, the Coordinator of the Abuja Municipal Management Council (AMMC), announced the resolution to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will commence the relocation of mechanics and traders operating on road corridors and buffer zones to Wassa.
In a meeting with 17 recognized unions and 16 other groups, Obuah informed the mechanics and traders that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has approved land in the Wassa community of Abuja for their relocation.
Apo Mechanic Village has faced numerous issues over the years, including threats of demolition, overcrowding affecting over 1,000 traders, environmental concerns, and conflicts among more than 50 unions, which have now been consolidated into four.
“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,” Obuah said.
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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.”
Obuah emphasized that the enumeration process will be thorough, requiring traders and mechanics to provide their National Identification Number (NIN) to prevent double registration.
Allocations will be made to individuals rather than unions, although union cooperation is necessary to facilitate the process.
The relocation is expected to occur within the next month, with assurances that the new location in the Wassa community will provide a permanent solution.
