By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has announced that the relocation of traders from the Apo Mechanic Village to the newly developed Wasa District will be completed before the end of 2026, as the administration moves to strengthen urban planning and security in Abuja.
Speaking during a media parley at his official residence in Life Camp on Tuesday, Wike said infrastructure at the Wasa relocation site had been completed, with only the finalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) remaining.
He explained that disagreements among trader associations had slowed the process, stressing that the government would retain regulatory control of the facility rather than hand over full ownership through Certificates of Occupancy.
“Already, the infrastructure has been provided. What is left is to conclude the governance framework through an MoU so government can retain control. I believe before the end of the year, the issues will be resolved,” the minister said.
Wike also revealed that the FCT Security Council had approved fresh restrictions on the operations of commercial motorcycles and tricycles within the Abuja city centre, citing rising security concerns.
According to him, security agencies have been directed to identify districts where the restrictions will be enforced, noting that while a total ban across the territory is impractical, commercial motorcycles and tricycles will no longer operate in designated areas.
“It is no longer just a nuisance; it has become a security threat,” he said.
The minister added that security operations targeting illegal settlements and criminal hideouts, including those around Karmajiji in the Kukwaba District, would continue as part of efforts to improve public safety.
On land administration, Wike urged residents who acquired land through Area Councils to regularise their titles with the FCT Administration, following the Supreme Court’s affirmation that all land within the territory falls under the authority of the FCTA.
He disclosed that between 5,000 and 6,000 land titles had already been regularised, paving the way for beneficiaries to obtain Certificates of Occupancy.
The minister also highlighted the administration’s intervention in resolving land ownership disputes affecting homeowners in River Park Estate and announced plans to redevelop abandoned recreational facilities, including the Life Camp Recreation Centre and Jabi Lake Recreation Park, through public-private partnerships.
Wike warned developers holding public lands without development for years that such allocations could be revoked if agreed timelines are not met.
He further disclosed that a committee had been set up to tackle the growing problem of illegal car racing in residential areas, insisting that any activity threatening the safety of residents would not be tolerated.
The minister added that the administration would continue its policy of awarding only projects backed by available funding in a bid to eliminate abandoned contracts, while noting that the completion of the Abuja Millennium Tower would require direct intervention from the Federal Government.
