Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, says the long-awaited relocation of the Apo Mechanics Village to Wassa has now been achieved under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing it as a major policy breakthrough after years of delay.
Wike made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja after inspecting several ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Wassa informal sector roads, Road CN2 in Katampe, the OSEX Main Carriageways, and the Gaduwa Road corridor.
‘Promise made and fulfilled’ — Wike
The minister said successive administrations had struggled to relocate the mechanics and traders from Apo, but insisted that the current administration had finally delivered a practical solution.
“This is another promise made and 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 now a fulfilled promise,” Wike said.
He explained that road construction within the Wassa informal sector site was nearing completion, with additional infrastructure such as solar-powered streetlights and water systems expected to follow.
“You can see the informal sector. The roads are almost completed. Very soon, they will start putting solar streetlights and then they will put water scheme,” he added.
Boost for business activity and revenue generation
Wike said the development is expected to improve working conditions for artisans and traders relocated from Apo, while also boosting the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the FCT through expanded commercial activity.
He described the project as part of broader efforts to organise informal economic clusters and improve urban infrastructure within Abuja.
Progress on major road projects
During the inspection of the OSEX Main Carriageway project, the minister expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, particularly the completion of a key bridge structure.
“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.
Wike also directed the extension of the OSEX II road project to Wassa Junction, a stretch of about 10 kilometres, to improve connectivity and ease traffic movement in the area.
At the Road CN2 project near Gishiri, he commended contractors for advancing work on streetlights and pedestrian walkways, noting steady progress across multiple sites.
Urban renewal push continues
The minister’s inspection forms part of ongoing infrastructure interventions across the FCT aimed at improving road networks, decongesting traffic corridors, and expanding planned urban development zones.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to completing inherited and new projects to improve living conditions and support economic activity in the capital territory.
