By Sarah NEGEDU
Hundreds of mechanics, artisans and traders at the popular Apo Mechanic Village are expected to relocate to the Wasa District, following the provision of road, power and water infrastructure to the area by the FCT Administration.
The project is expected to pave way for the relocation of businesses to the designated Informal Sector Layout in Wasa, ending a promise that had remained unfulfilled for more than a decade despite repeated commitments by successive administrations.
Beyond opening up the new district for commercial activities, the infrastructure is expected to improve the business environment for thousands of artisans and traders, while supporting the implementation of the Abuja Master Plan.
President Bola Tinubu, while commissioning the project on Friday, described it as the fulfilment of a commitment that previous administrations failed to deliver.
The President who was represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, said, “The relocation to Wasa District was a promise long delayed by previous administrations. Today, under this administration, that promise has been fulfilled.”
Tinubu said the project reflected his administration’s commitment to ensuring that infrastructure development benefits ordinary Nigerians and not just the elite, stressing that no segment of society would be left behind under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“When we took the oath of office and presented the Renewed Hope Agenda to the Nigerian people, we made a solemn pledge that no segment of our society would be left behind, and that infrastructure would not be built for only the elite, but as a ladder for the economic empowerment of the everyday Nigerian.”
The President said the project extended beyond the provision of roads, electricity and water supply, describing it as an investment in livelihoods, economic freedom and the long-term growth of the nation’s informal sector.
“What we are commissioning today goes far beyond the provision of access roads, erecting electricity poles, or laying water pipes. This is an investment in human dignity and economic freedom.
“The informal sector is the true engine of our economy, sustaining millions of livelihoods. By providing premium infrastructure here in Wasa, we are transforming this district into a modern, vibrant commercial hub that will boost Abuja’s Internally Generated Revenue and lower the cost of doing business.”
Tinubu also acknowledged the economic hardship facing Nigerians, saying his administration was fully aware of the difficulties created by ongoing reforms but insisted they were necessary to secure the country’s future.
“As your President, I feel your pain, I hear your concerns, and I carry the weight of your daily struggles.”
“The economic reforms we have initiated are undoubtedly painful, and their immediate impact has been heavy on households and businesses alike. However, these decisions were not made lightly; they are difficult but necessary surgeries required to save the patient.”
He assured Nigerians that the sacrifices being made would not be in vain, adding that his administration would continue to expand social intervention programmes, invest in agriculture, create jobs and deliver infrastructure across the country until the benefits of the reforms reached every Nigerian.
Tinubu also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, for driving infrastructure delivery in the nation’s capital, declaring that the era of abandoned public projects in the FCT was over.
Speaking earlier, Wike recalled that shortly after assuming office in August 2023, the FCT Administration met with members of the Apo Mechanic Traders Association and assured them that the long-awaited relocation to Wasa would be implemented.
He said while successive governments had promised to relocate the traders in line with the Abuja Master Plan, none fulfilled the commitment until President Tinubu approved the construction of the supporting infrastructure.
“Every government that came promised that Apo traders and mechanics would be moved here because staying along the road was not conducive. Those promises were never fulfilled.”
“But when Bola Ahmed Tinubu became President, he made the promise and approved the project. The contract was awarded in November last year, and today we are commissioning it. It is not even up to one year.”
Wike urged members of the association to resolve their internal disagreements and prepare for relocation, reminding them that government had fulfilled its part of the agreement.
“Now that he has done his own, will you fulfil your own agreement?… Please, make sure you put your house in order so that you can comfortably and quickly move down to this place and enjoy the environment.”
The minister also commended the host communities, the National Assembly, Area Council chairmen and CGC Nigeria Limited for supporting the successful delivery of the project.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as another milestone in the FCT Administration’s efforts to open up communities, improve livelihoods and promote inclusive development across the territory.
She said the provision of roads, electricity and water to the Informal Sector Layout demonstrated the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no part of the FCT was left behind.
She added that the project symbolised “the arrival of hope, the triumph of purposeful leadership and the fulfilment of government’s promise to bring development closer to the people.”
