President Bola Tinubu says his administration is providing premium infrastructure in Wasa to transform the district into a modern and vibrant commercial hub in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Mr Tinubu stated this on Friday while inaugurating access roads, power and water supply provided for the informal sector layout in Wasa District, Abuja.

The president, represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the informal sector as the true “engine of the nation’s economy”, sustaining millions of livelihoods.

Mr Tinubu said the layout was earmarked to move the Apo mechanics and traders from their current congested location along the Outer Southern Expressway.

He noted that for over a decade, the hard-working mechanics, artisans, and traders in Apo Mechanic Village have operated under challenging conditions.

He added that mechanics, artisans and traders had been waiting for a permanent, structured, and conducive environment to drive their businesses.

According to him, their relocation to Wasa District is a promise long delayed by previous administrations.

“Today, under this administration, that promise has been fulfilled. By providing premium infrastructure here in Wasa, we are transforming this district into a modern, vibrant commercial hub that will boost Abuja’s internally generated revenue and lower the cost of doing business.

“What we are inaugurating today goes far beyond the provision of access roads, erecting electricity poles, or laying water pipes. This is an investment in human dignity and economic freedom,” he said.

Mr Tinubu commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his fierce dedication, unmatched drive, and effective leadership.

In his remarks, Mr Wike stated that, at last, Mr Tinubu has fulfilled his promise to relocate the Apo mechanics to Wasa after several failed attempts by previous administrations.

He congratulated the beneficiaries of the layouts and urged them to put their house in order and commence preparations for relocation.

“Unlike other governments that made promises and were not fulfilled. Tinubu came in 2023, made a promise, awarded the contract last year, and today, we are inaugurating the infrastructure in the layout to pave the way for your relocation.

“Make sure you put your house in order so that you can confidently and quickly move down to this place and enjoy the environment,” Mr Wike said.

He expressed confidence that the full-scope development of the Outer Southern Expressway to Wasa junction would be awarded and completed before the end of Mr Tinubu’s second tenure.

On her part, FCT Minister of State Mariya Mahmoud said that the newly constructed access roads would open up communities, improve livelihoods and deepen inclusive development across the territory.

According to her, the project represents more than the delivery of physical infrastructure; it symbolises the arrival of hope, the triumph of purposeful leadership and the fulfilment of Mr Tinubu’s promise to bring development closer to the people.

Earlier, Richard Dauda, acting executive secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, said the contract for the construction of access roads, power, and water supply to the district was awarded in November 2025.

Mr Dauda explained that the informal sector layout was earmarked in the Abuja Master Plan to accommodate informal sectors of the city’s economy that were not provided for in the commercial hubs within the city centre.

“This informal sector layout was, therefore, designed to be on the city fringes where they can carry on their operations without constituting a menace in the city centre.

“The informal sector, which also contributes significantly to the economy, includes the motor mechanics, the motor parts dealers, car mart operators, informal markets, and other artisans, as well as housing estates for lower income,” he said. 

(NAN)