The long-awaited relocation of mechanics, artisans and traders from the Apo Mechanic Village to the Wasa District in Abuja has finally become a reality, ending years of unfulfilled promises by successive administrations.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Friday, commissioned the access roads, power and water infrastructure for the Informal Sector Layout in Wasa District, paving the way for the relocation of thousands of traders and mechanics to the new site.
Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the President said the project fulfilled a commitment that had remained unrealised for more than a decade despite repeated assurances by previous governments.
“The relocation to Wasa District was a promise long delayed by previous administrations. Today, under this administration, that promise has been fulfilled,” Tinubu said at the commissioning ceremony in Abuja.
According to him, the project is a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at ensuring that infrastructure development benefits ordinary Nigerians and supports economic growth.
For years, mechanics, artisans and traders operating along the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) corridor had complained about inadequate facilities and uncertainty over relocation plans tied to the Abuja Master Plan.
Tinubu noted that beyond the construction of roads, electricity and water supply, the project represents an investment in the livelihoods of thousands of Nigerians who depend on the 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,” he said.
The President reiterated that his administration remains committed to inclusive development and ensuring that no group is left behind.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu also acknowledged the economic challenges facing Nigerians, describing the ongoing reforms as painful but necessary steps toward building a more resilient economy.
“I am deeply aware of the current economic realities across our nation. 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 said.
He assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to implement social intervention programmes, invest in agriculture and expand infrastructure development to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Speaking earlier, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, said the completion of the project demonstrated President Tinubu’s resolve to fulfil promises made to residents.
Wike recalled that shortly after assuming office in August 2023, the FCT Administration held consultations with stakeholders, including the Apo Mechanic Traders Association, on the need to relocate them to the designated informal sector layout in Wasa.
He noted that while previous administrations had repeatedly promised the relocation, Tinubu’s government moved beyond promises by providing the required 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 said.
The minister urged members of the association to resolve internal disagreements and prepare for a smooth relocation to the new site.
“Now that the government has fulfilled its own agreement, I hope you will fulfil yours. Put your house in order so that you can comfortably move here and enjoy the environment,” he said.
Wike also commended CGC Nigeria Limited for delivering the project and thanked host communities, the National Assembly and Area Council chairmen for supporting the execution of infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory.
Also speaking, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as another demonstration of the administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal and economic empowerment.
She said ongoing rehabilitation and completion of critical projects across Abuja were restoring confidence in governance and repositioning the Federal Capital Territory as a modern capital city in line with global standards.
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