Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has hailed the Abuja City Walk as a significant step towards a multi-billion-dollar future for Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The 250-hectare mixed-use urban mega project was unveiled in Abuja by Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu, during the launch of the project’s Sales Office and Experience Centre.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, President Tinubu emphasized that the Abuja City Walk is one of the most ambitious private-sector investment projects in Nigeria’s history. Situated in Lugbe along the Abuja Airport Expressway, the project aims to position Nigeria as a global gateway, drawing inspiration from renowned models like the Dubai City Walk but tailored for the African context.
The initiative, developed under a Public-Private Partnership between the FCT and private developers, highlights the importance of sustainable national development through collaborative efforts. By designating the corridor a free trade zone, the administration aims to foster regional commerce, medical tourism, premium retail, and high-end hospitality, eliminating trade barriers and creating a conducive environment for investment.
President Tinubu assured both domestic and international investors of the safety and viability of their investments in Nigeria, noting the continuous optimization of legal, physical, and financial frameworks to protect capital and guarantee returns. He also lauded FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his leadership in executing impactful projects, transforming the once dormant Abuja Technology Village corridor into a thriving construction hub.
The project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities for Nigeria’s youthful population and stimulate localized supply chains, thus reinvigorating the economy of the FCT and its neighboring states. The ultimate success of the Abuja City Walk, according to Tinubu, will be measured by its human impact and economic contributions.
Minister Wike outlined the government’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for investors, emphasizing the importance of adhering to project timelines. He reiterated the government’s readiness to reclaim land if milestones agreed upon in the Memorandum of Understanding are not met within a year.
Dr. Kassim Gidado, Executive Director of Link Developments, which is the master developer of the Abuja City Walk, expressed the goal of creating a ‘city within a city’. Inspired by Dubai City Walk, the project is set to be a dynamic hub anchored in Abuja’s socio-cultural and environmental context, featuring a Google Tech Village, a knowledge park, and various other facilities to foster innovation and commerce.
The development will include a mix of cultural, commercial, and residential spaces, with plans for healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and recreational areas, aiming to establish Abuja City Walk as a landmark destination in West Africa.