The Abia State Government has commenced full-scale enforcement of its directive relocating mechanics and artisans operating along major streets in Aba to the newly established Ovom Mechanic Cluster.
The move follows the expiration of the October 15, 2025 deadline issued to traders and mechanics to vacate the streets and relocate their businesses to the government-approved site.
A joint enforcement team, led by the Commissioner for Industry and Small & Medium Enterprises (SME), Mr. Mike Akpara, and the Commander of the Abia State Harmonized Task Force for Aba Zone, Mr. Uche Wogu, began the operation on Thursday.
Shops were sealed across several major roads, including Jubilee Road, School Road, Azikiwe Road, Clifford Road, and Tenant Road, as the team intensified efforts to clear illegal workshops from key areas of the commercial city.
Speaking during the exercise, Commissioner Akpara said the operation was aimed at sanitising Aba and ensuring a cleaner and more organised business environment.
“This is not witch-hunting. This government is people-oriented. We have given them over one year to move, and their leaders are part of this enforcement,” he explained. “Roads are being damaged and gutters blocked because of mechanic activities.”
He assured the affected traders that the government’s decision was in their best interest, promising improved facilities and a more conducive working environment at the Ovom cluster.
While some mechanics, including Mr. Okechukwu Mathew, expressed support for the relocation policy, others appealed for an extension to allow them to continue business operations until December, pledging to move by January 2026.
However, their appeal was rejected by the enforcement team, which insisted that the deadline had already been extended multiple times.
Officials maintained that the state government would not tolerate further obstruction of public spaces or activities that hinder urban renewal efforts in Aba.