FCTA Clarifies Relocation of Apo Mechanic Village to Wasa is Not Revenue-Driven

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has clarified that the relocation of Apo Mechanic Village to a permanent site in Wasa District is not intended to generate revenue but is necessary to make way for the construction of a 10-lane expressway to Wasa.

Chief Felix Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, made this statement after the 10th FCT Executive Council Meeting in Abuja on Monday. He explained that the relocation was part of efforts to facilitate the construction of the expressway, which would improve transportation in the region.

Obuah addressed concerns over the N300,000 application fee for those interested in relocating to Wasa, stating that the fee was not a revenue-generating measure but was introduced to ensure a smooth and orderly relocation process. He further revealed that the FCTA was considering reducing the fee to accommodate more traders, dealers, and artisans along the Apo road corridor.

The Coordinator noted that the Apo Mechanic Village comprises over 51 associations, with claims of more than 51,800 registered members. However, after conducting a physical enumeration, only 15,000 members were found to be genuine traders, dealers, and artisans operating along the corridor. So far, 12,000 individuals have applied for relocation and paid the N300,000 fee.

Obuah emphasized that the FCTA’s priority is to ensure that only legitimate spare part dealers, traders, and artisans benefit from the relocation, not to generate income from them. He assured that measures were being put in place to ensure a fair process and that no eligible individual would be left out.

Additionally, the FCTA has instructed the formation of a committee to oversee the relocation process and ensure that no traders, dealers, or artisans are unfairly treated.