President Bola Tinubu says his administration is delivering world-class infrastructure in Wasa, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to transform the district into a modern commercial hub and stimulate economic growth.
The President made the statement on Friday during the inauguration of access roads, electricity and water supply infrastructure for the Informal Sector Layout in Wasa District, Abuja.
Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, President Tinubu described the informal sector as the “engine of the nation’s economy”, noting that it sustains millions of livelihoods across the country.
He explained that the Wasa layout was developed to facilitate the relocation of mechanics and traders from the congested Apo Mechanic Village along the Outer Southern Expressway.
According to the President, mechanics, artisans and traders in Apo Mechanic Village had endured difficult working conditions for more than a decade while awaiting a permanent, organised and conducive business environment.
He noted that successive administrations had failed to fulfill the long-standing promise of relocating the traders to Wasa.
“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 reduce the cost of doing business. “What we are inaugurating today goes far beyond the provision of access roads, electricity infrastructure, and water supply. It is an investment in human dignity and economic freedom.”
The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, for what he described as his commitment, determination, and effective leadership in delivering key infrastructure projects.
In his remarks, the FCT minister, Mr Wike, said President Tinubu had fulfilled his promise to relocate Apo mechanics to Wasa after several unsuccessful attempts by previous administrations.
He congratulated beneficiaries of the layout and urged them to begin preparations for relocation.
“Unlike previous governments that made promises without fulfilling them, President Tinubu assumed office in 2023, made the commitment, awarded the contract last year, and today we are inaugurating the infrastructure that will facilitate your relocation.
“Put your affairs in order so that you can relocate promptly and begin to enjoy this new environment,” Wike said.
The minister also expressed confidence that the full development of the Outer Southern Expressway to the Wasa Junction would be awarded and completed before the end of President Tinubu’s second term.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said the newly completed access roads would open up surrounding communities, improve livelihoods, and promote inclusive development across the territory.
She described the project as more than the delivery of physical infrastructure, saying it symbolises renewed hope, purposeful leadership and the fulfilment of the administration’s commitment to bringing development closer to the people.
Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, disclosed that the contract for the construction of access roads, electricity and water supply to the district was awarded in November 2025.
Dauda explained that the informal sector layout was provided for in the Abuja Master Plan to accommodate economic activities not catered for within the city’s designated commercial districts.
According to him, the layout was strategically located on the outskirts of the city to enable mechanics, spare parts dealers, car mart operators, informal markets, artisans and other low-income business operators to conduct their activities in an organised environment without disrupting the city centre.
He added that the development would provide a more suitable operating environment for the informal sector while supporting economic growth and orderly urban development in the nation’s capital.
