By Patrick Idowu
To ensure a smooth relocation exercise for the Apo Mechanic Village, the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) has issued a stern warning against extortion and unauthorized registration of traders and artisans not directly operating within the affected area.
The AMMC Coordinator, Chief Felix Obuah, cautioned individuals and groups against exploiting the relocation process, particularly in the allocation of land at the new Wasa District site.
He disclosed that security agencies would arrest anyone caught promising land to unqualified individuals or charging exorbitant fees under false pretenses.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting yesterday, Obuah revealed that some union leaders were allegedly demanding between ₦600,000 and ₦1,000,000 from unsuspecting traders, far exceeding the approved non-refundable fee of ₦300,000 for land registration.
“So far, over 11,000 people have registered for the relocation exercise and paid the official ₦300,000 fee,” Obuah stated. “We introduced this fee to eliminate ghost applicants.
However, some unscrupulous individuals are charging traders up to ₦650,000 behind the scenes.”
He assured stakeholders that the government would remain transparent, promising that a list of shop allocations would be published at the end of the process.
Obuah also addressed challenges in managing the relocation exercise, noting that over 45,000 names were initially submitted by various unions; an inflated list that necessitated a physical enumeration of affected traders.
“The forms are strictly for traders and artisans operating along the road corridors and buffer zones. However, we have discovered that some individuals are collecting money from people who have no business with Apo Mechanic Village, simply to secure land for themselves,” he said.
The relocation, which has faced setbacks for over 25 years, is now set for completion by the end of the month, according to Obuah.
He dismissed rumors that shops at the Wasa site were being allocated to government officials or their associates, emphasizing the integrity of the process.
“Claims that shops have been given to government officials, girlfriends, or relatives are false. The Minister has not interfered, and we are committed to transparency,” Obuah concluded.
The meeting also provided updates on the enumeration exercise, proposed site design, and plans to relocate traders, reassuring stakeholders of the Council’s commitment to fairness.
