In a recent development, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has taken steps to relocate Abuja’s largest mechanic village, Apo Mechanic Village, to a permanent site, as reported by Vanguard.
This decision comes 25 years after the idea was first proposed by the FCT Administration.
Wike dismissed rumors that the Administration had set a deadline for the occupiers to move out or face demolition, stating that no such directive was given.
He also warned officials against nepotism in the allocation of shops.
The relocation will move thousands of auto technicians, spare parts dealers, and other service providers to a new site in Wasa district, 15 minutes from their current location.
A 19-member technical committee has been inaugurated to oversee the relocation.
Representing Wike, Chief Felix Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Agency (AMMC), acknowledged the long-standing fears of the technicians regarding potential demolition.
The technical committee will handle the enumeration of those to be relocated.
He assured that the relocation process, involving technical, engineering, allocation, and resettlement aspects, would not take more than three months.
The committee, comprising members from various departments, aims to ensure an efficient relocation process.
Obuah warned against allocating shops based on nepotism and highlighted the importance of fair enumeration.
The committee will also handle compensation matters, establish boundaries of the site, identify areas of integration, and review the layout.
Chairman Malam Abubakar Makama noted that the issue has been unresolved for over 25 years and praised the Coordinator for his urgent action within three months in office.