Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday declared that the long-delayed relocation of Apo Mechanics to Wassa had finally become a reality under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Wike spoke after inspecting ongoing projects, including the Wassa informal sector roads, Road CN2 in Katampe, OSEX Main Carriageways and Gaduwa Road in Abuja.
Describing the Wassa development as a major breakthrough, the minister said successive administrations had struggled unsuccessfully with the relocation of mechanics and traders from Apo, but the current administration had taken concrete steps to resolve the issue.
“This is another promise made and another promise 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 no longer a promise; it is now a fulfilled promise,” Wike said.
He noted that roads within the informal sector site were almost completed, adding that the next phase would include installation of solar-powered streetlights and water facilities to support businesses and residents.
“You can see the informal sector. You can see the roads are almost completed. Very soon they will start putting the solar streetlights and then they will put water scheme,” he stated.
The minister said the development would not only provide a better environment for artisans and traders but also improve the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the FCT through increased business activities.
“If business is taking place, we will collect revenue. That will increase the IGR of the FCT. We have provided the infrastructure needed; it is now left for people to come in and establish their businesses,” he added.
At the OSEX Main Carriageway project, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, particularly the completion of a major bridge that he said exceeded his expectations.
“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.
The minister subsequently directed the extension of the OSEX II road project to Wassa Junction, covering about 10 kilometres, to ease movement and improve connectivity within the area.
“I instructed the Executive Secretary of the FCDA that from where the OSEX road stopped, they should extend it to the end of Wassa Junction, which is about 10 kilometres, so that people will be happy that this administration has completed OSEX II,” he stated.
Wike also commended the quality of work at the Road CN2 project near Gishiri, where contractors have commenced installation of streetlights and walkways.
“The projects we inspected today are almost 100 per cent completed. The quality of work is impressive,” he added.
The minister further defended the FCT Administration’s policy on land allocation, insisting that allocations to investors, diplomats and media organisations were legitimate and necessary for development.
According to him, media organisations questioning government allocations had themselves benefited from similar allocations in the past.
“Media organisations are businesses, not charity organisations. Government allocated land to some of them and they are carrying out their businesses there,” he said.
Wike maintained that the FCT Administration does not sell land but allocates it to individuals and organisations willing to develop and invest within agreed timelines.
“We allocate land for development. If the allottees fail to develop it within the stipulated time, government has the right to take it back,” he said.
