The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) has clarified the N300,000 relocation fee for artisans from the Apo Mechanic Village to Wasa in the Federal Capital Territory. According to Felix Obuah, the AMMC Coordinator, the fee is a non-refundable land registration charge for the ongoing relocation exercise of traders on the road corridors in the area.
Obuah explained that the fee aims to deter “ghost names” from applying and to ensure that only genuine traders benefit from the relocation exercise. He also alleged that some union leaders have been charging artisans and mechanics up to N1 million for the relocation form, which is unacceptable.
So far, over 11,000 individuals have registered for the relocation exercise, with the government collecting N300,000 from each applicant. Obuah emphasized that the exercise would be transparent, with the allocation of shops published for all to see.
The relocation exercise is part of the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s efforts to redevelop the Apo Mechanic Village, which has been in operation for over 25 years. The administration aims to provide a better alternative for the traders and artisans, while also ensuring that the area is cleared for road construction.
Obuah assured the traders that the relocation exercise would be concluded before the end of the month, and that the administration would ensure that the process is fair and transparent.
