Tinubu Commissions Long-Awaited Wasa Relocation for Apo Traders

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday commissioned the access roads, electricity and water infrastructure for the Informal Sector Layout in Wasa District, Abuja, paving the way for the relocation of mechanics, artisans and traders from the Apo Mechanic Village after years of delays under previous administrations.

The commissioning ceremony was held in the Federal Capital Territory, with the President represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

The project brings to life a relocation plan that had remained on paper for more than a decade despite repeated commitments by successive governments. Thousands of mechanics, artisans and traders operating along the Outer Southern Expressway corridor are now expected to move to the newly developed site in Wasa.

Speaking at the event, Tinubu said the project reflects his administration’s commitment to fulfilling promises that directly affect the lives of ordinary Nigerians. He noted that the development goes beyond roads, electricity and water supply, describing it as an investment that will improve the livelihoods of people working in the informal sector.

According to the President, the new layout is expected to become a modern commercial centre that will support business activities, reduce operating costs for traders and mechanics, and increase internally generated revenue for the Federal Capital Territory. He added that the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to ensure that infrastructure projects benefit people across all sectors of society.

Tinubu also acknowledged the economic hardship currently facing many Nigerians, saying his administration understands the challenges people are experiencing. He explained that ongoing economic reforms were introduced to strengthen the country’s economy over time despite the immediate difficulties they have created for households and businesses.

The President assured residents that his administration would continue implementing programmes aimed at easing the burden on citizens through investments in agriculture, infrastructure and social intervention initiatives designed to create jobs and improve economic activities.

Earlier, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said the completion of the Wasa project fulfilled a commitment that had remained unfulfilled under previous administrations. He recalled that shortly after assuming office in August 2023, the FCT Administration held meetings with members of the Apo Mechanic Traders Association and other stakeholders on relocating them to the designated layout in Wasa.

Wike explained that although past governments had repeatedly promised to move the traders and mechanics from the roadside location, the Tinubu administration moved beyond promises by approving the project, awarding the contract and completing the required infrastructure within a short period.

He called on members of the traders’ association to settle any internal disagreements and prepare for a smooth relocation now that the government has completed its part of the agreement. The minister also praised CGC Nigeria Limited for delivering the project and thanked host communities, the National Assembly and Area Council chairmen for supporting infrastructure development across the Federal Capital Territory.

The Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as another step in the administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure and support economic activities in Abuja. She said ongoing projects across the capital were improving public confidence in governance and helping position the Federal Capital Territory as a modern city that meets international standards.