Abuja: The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, announced plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Julius Berger for the maintenance of the remodelled Abuja City Gate. This announcement was made during the inauguration of the edifice, performed by President Bola Tinubu and represented by the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the minister emphasized the need to sustain the monument’s elegance, which symbolizes the country’s unity. He revealed that the First Lady had brought the monument’s neglect to his attention, urging action to enhance its appearance. She questioned whether the city gate’s current state reflected that of other global city gates, prompting Wike to commit to its renovation.
Wike noted that the remodelled city gate has transformed the area’s landscape and praised the First Lady’s concern for its improvement. He highlighted the significance of maintaining the monument post-inauguration, stating that the MoU with Julius Berger would ensure its upkeep. The monument now features car parks, a potential restaurant, and toilet facilities, making it a venue for various events and a point of national pride.
FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the remodelled city gate as a ‘powerful symbol’ of transformation in the nation’s capital. She emphasized its role as a visible expression of infrastructural renewal, urban rebirth, and national pride.
Mr. Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, described the city gate as Abuja’s most iconic landmark. He recounted its history, noting its construction to commemorate the Federal Government’s move from Lagos to Abuja in 1991. The monument was designed as a ceremonial pavilion and welcoming monument, symbolizing unity and hospitality.
Dauda explained that the monument had been neglected over the years due to plans to relocate it to a more accurate location along the Airport Expressway. The gate had lost its former elegance, with faded landscape elements and a weathered Nigerian coat of arms. The contract for its remodelling was awarded in November 2025 to restore it to a modern standard befitting the evolving city.