Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday advised traders at the Apo mechanic village in the Apo area of the capital city to prepare to relocate to a permanent site already mapped out for them by the government.
Wike gave the advice while inspecting the ongoing road project in the area.
Construction is currently on going on the second lane of the Ring Road 1 (Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway) to Wasa Junction. The road passes through the heart of the mechanic village.
Addressing the traders, Mr. Wike said:
“The committee is doing their work. You know that the road is going to pass through that area. So, that is not going to be a problem.
“We have told them that when we get to that point, they have no choice but to leave for the interest of everybody. It’s not for anybody’s particular interest. It’s for the public.
“It is the directive of Mr. President to see that all areas, not only the city but also in the satellite towns are all opened up with road infrastructure.
“You will not believe it now that all the roads we are doing in the satellite towns are going to be provided with solar street lights, which has never happened.
“So, it is wonderful, we are happy with what we are seeing and we are happy with what the contractors are doing. Indeed, the Renewed Hope Agenda is working, it’s a reality. People can see with their eyes. It’s not that you are told.”
Traders and technicians at the market have already been informed and were already working with the FC administration to ensure smooth relocation of the traders without any hitch. A trader, Cajetan Okechukwu, who spoke with FACTSHEET said that “our union is already working with government to avoid any problems and stress. We are preparing to go to Wasa, and that place is even closer to where many of us live.”