Abuja: The Managing Director of Centenary City Plc, Dr. Ike Odenigwe, has announced that substantial progress has been made on the 4.3-kilometre access road project within the Centenary City development in Abuja. Odenigwe made this disclosure during a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at showcasing the progress of the first road project and highlighting the support received from partners and host communities.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Odenigwe reported that construction activities had started earnestly, with stakeholders physically witnessing the progress, thereby demonstrating the company’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure for the development. He lauded the cooperation from host communities, noting that the project spans five communities that have remained supportive, which has facilitated the smooth execution of construction activities without any disruptions or conflicts.
Odenigwe emphasized the company’s efforts in maintaining strong relationships with the communities, ensuring seamless engagement, mutual understanding, and sustained support throughout the infrastructure development project. He also highlighted Centenary City Plc’s focus on social responsibility, which includes offering scholarships and creating employment opportunities for youths from host communities, aiming for inclusive participation and shared development benefits.
“Our goal is to ensure that people from these communities benefit directly through employment opportunities and educational support initiatives that will improve livelihoods and foster long-term socio-economic development,” Odenigwe stated. He explained that Centenary City was envisioned as a sustainable urban development designed to enhance Abuja’s capacity as a modern city with world-class infrastructure and strong investment potential.
The project, Odenigwe noted, would complement growth in the Federal Capital Territory by attracting investors and delivering modern infrastructure capable of supporting economic expansion and improved urban living standards. He acknowledged the support from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and regulatory backing from the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, which he said had strengthened project implementation.
Furthermore, Odenigwe commended the host community leadership under the Emir of Jiwa, Idris Musa, for their sustained cooperation and constructive engagement that has significantly contributed to the smooth progress of the development project. He also mentioned that the 4.3-kilometre road marks the beginning of a broader infrastructure rollout, with plans for a primary road network spanning about 95 kilometres within the Centenary City master plan.
A representative from Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Johnnie Kouchan, also spoke at the meeting, emphasizing the partnership with Centenary City Plc, which is driven by collaboration and a shared vision for quality infrastructure delivery. Kouchan explained that while Centenary City provided the project concept and development framework, Julius Berger contributed engineering expertise and technical capacity required for effective project execution.
Kouchan reported that the 4.3-kilometre four-lane carriageway, including supporting infrastructure, is approximately 35 percent completed, reflecting steady construction progress since the commencement of work in November 2025. The project is expected to be completed by April 2027, with strict adherence to international engineering standards and safety practices guiding all aspects of construction and delivery.
The Emir of Jiwa, Idris Musa, commended the company’s efforts but called for sustained collaboration and deeper engagement with host communities to address emerging concerns and expectations. He urged Centenary City to liaise with the Federal Capital Territory Administration to ensure full compensation and proper resettlement arrangements for affected communities within the project development area.
Additionally, Ayuba Ishaya, liaison officer of Jiwa Chiefdom and a scholarship beneficiary, urged the company to sustain its scholarship program to support educational advancement among youths in the communities. He highlighted challenges such as the lack of potable water due to resettlement, urging the company to address this issue while also expanding employment opportunities for qualified youths in host communities.
Stakeholders expressed that the Centenary City project marks a significant step toward transforming Abuja into a modern, investment-friendly, and sustainable city capable of supporting long-term economic growth and urban development.