Relocation: Wike queries inflated list, threatens to arrest fraudulent traders in Apo mechanic village

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has queried the inflated list and has threatened to arrest individuals involved in fraudulent activities during the relocation of traders from the Apo Mechanic Village to Wasa.

Speaking at a meeting aimed at updating traders on the enumeration process, the minister condemned those collecting excessive fees from unsuspecting traders, stating, “Individuals collecting amounts ranging from N600,000 to N1 million under false pretences will be handed over to security agencies.”

Represented by the Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Felix Obih, the Minister clarified that the approved fee for land registration is N300,000, emphasising that “Many individuals are exploiting this situation for fraud, charging over N650,000 while the government only collects N300,000. People are desperate, which is why I’m here to clarify our actions. I will ensure transparency throughout the process, and the names of those allocated shops will be made public.”

He also warned that those not trading along designated corridors would not be eligible for relocation.

According to the minister, 11,000 individuals have so far registered for the relocation exercise of traders on the road corridor along APO mechanics village to Wasa District.

Coordinator, who stood in for the minister acknowledged significant challenges in managing the relocation process. He revealed that over 45,000 names had initially been submitted by various unions, which he described as inflated. He said this discrepancy prompted the council to conduct physical enumerations of the affected traders.

“The purpose of this meeting was to update stakeholders on our progress in relocating them to Wasa,” he explained. “We invited heads of associations to discuss how far we’ve come, the importance of the enumeration process, and the number of individuals who have paid.”

He emphasised that the registration forms are strictly for those operating within designated road corridors and buffer zones, stating, “These forms are not intended for individuals not trading along the corridor.”

The AMMC coordinator stated that the relocation exercise is expected to be completed by the end of the month. He stressed that the plan to relocate traders, who have faced various setbacks for the past 25 years, will be finalised under Wike’s administration, with the names of those allocated shops made available for public scrutiny.

He referenced a recent report from the Brekete Family news, where traders expressed their relief and pleaded for permission to proceed with payments.

Addressing concerns about nepotism, he reassured them that there are no allocations being made to government officials or their relatives, clarifying, “Not a single shop has been given out in that manner, and the Minister is not involved in this process.”

The relocation plan aims to address long-standing issues faced by traders obstructing road corridors. “This has been a struggle for over 15 years,” Obih remarked. He affirmed that the administration is committed to concluding the relocation before the month’s end, ensuring it benefits genuine traders and artisans.