The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has established a 19-member technical committee to oversee the relocation of mechanics and technicians from road corridors to the Wasa District in Abuja. The committee was inaugurated by AMMC Coordinator Felix Obuah, who stated that this move is part of a broader effort to enhance the city’s appearance.
Felix Obuah noted that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, directed the relocation of those occupying the right of way to facilitate road construction in the affected areas. Rather than demolishing temporary and illegal sites outright, the Wike-led FCTA has provided an alternative permanent site in Wasa, ensuring an orderly transition before any demolitions occur.
“The mechanics and technicians have 20,000 to 30,000 members. We need to verify these numbers and establish a database to ensure that everyone being relocated is currently occupying the road corridors,” Obuah stated. The committee’s task is to efficiently manage the relocation of mechanics, technicians, and traders from the Apo mechanic village and other parts of the FCT.
Committee members are drawn from various departments, including Development Control, the Abuja Environment Protection Board, Urban Affairs, Resettlement and Compensation, General Counsel and Legal Services Secretariat, Lands Department, Urban and Regional Planning, Mapping and Surveying, Finance and Administration, and the Directorate of Road Traffic Services.
The committee will enumerate eligible mechanics, technicians, dealers, and other traders, including furniture makers, and prepare the relocation site. They will also handle compensation matters, establish site demarcations, identify areas for integration, and review the site layout.
Committee Chairman Abubakar Makama highlighted that this issue has persisted for over 25 years without resolution and commended the coordinator for taking swift action within three months in office. Makama assured that the committee would act diligently, fairly, transparently, and accountably in fulfilling its responsibilities.
(NAN)
