To resolve the protracted Apo Mechanic crisis, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved the relocation of the Auto Spareparts Village to Wassa.
Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Felix Obuah, disclosed this during a meeting with representatives of the traders in his office in Abuja, Tuesday.
Obuah told the traders, who were represented by 17 recognised unions and 16 others that the Minister has approved a piece of land in Wassa for relocation of all affected persons.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Obuah said: “This issue of Apo Mechanic and traders have lasted for over 15 years, I am just three months old in this office and we have settled the issue. Today, they are happy, they are smiling and we are smiling.”
“Over 50 unions that have been quarrelling, I have reduced them to four and they are happy. I’ve been able to bring every body together, all the noise has died down. We have decided to relocate all the traders on the road corridor, buffer zone and the right of way to Wassa any moment from now and they are all happy,” he said.
His words: “As I speak to you, the Minister has given approval, even the task force to effect the movement has been set up. We have enough space, as a matter of fact, it can accommodate as much as they are genuine.”
“The enumeration team to verify them is already on ground, it will not be a situation where one man will bring his family members. The Minister has given a marching order and we have to follow it judiciously without compromise. In less than one month, we will relocate them. Where we are taking them is a permanent place”, he added.
Abuja Digest reports that enumeration of the traders would involve National Identity Number (NIN).