The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MAG International Links Ltd, a private investor, for the development of Abuja City Walk.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday July 23, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said the project, which would span about 200 hectares, is inspired by Dubai’s City Walk concept and would be a replica.
He said the project would feature a carefully integrated blend of residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, institutional, and healthcare facilities.
According to Wike, the MoU is to ensure that the company delivers the project based on agreed work plans and timelines.
He said: “I wish to say that the company has submitted their drawings, which have been approved, and their Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is ready. But we have to sign an agreement such that if you do not comply within the outlined specification and agreed timeline, then we have the right to revoke the land.
“We are not going to just give you a C-of-O and then nothing happens. We will not accept that again.”
He pointed out that so many people have been allocated land for mass housing and other developments but they failed to utilize it only to end up as land speculators, and ultimately, selling the land.
He said: “People have collected 200 hectares, 300 hectares and in 20 years nothing has happened. We have changed that pattern, so we are going to monitor the developments strictly.”
According to Wike, the project will be developed on the site previously earmarked for Abuja Technology Village along Airport Road, which has lain undeveloped for 20 years.
He also said: “I want to make it clear that we have had problems with land grabbers in Abuja Technology Village, even those in the technology village are part of the problems.
“In the past 20 years, nothing has happened in the area and therefore, I would not like to lose this opportunity that we have seen investors who really want to invest and develop the land for the good of the city.
“If anybody has gone to Dubai and has seen the City Walk, there is no way you will not appreciate and encourage investors that are willing to do the same in Abuja.
“This is because the whole essence of the “Renewed Hope Agenda” is not only to bring investors, but also to create employment for our people.”
The minister said that the project would be developed in phases, with foundation laying hopes to take place between July and August.
He added that the first phase of the project would be completed and delivered in May 2026, to celebrate President Bola Tinubu’s third year in Office.
Describing the project as “key” to the development of Abuja, Wike assured the investor of full support as directed by Tinubu to encourage investors to invest in the FCT for national development.
He said that the FCT would provide access roads to enable the investor to begin work on the site immediately.
“The Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority is doing his best to see that there is no delay in this project. We have made sure that legally nothing will hinder the company from executing the project.
“To encourage them, Director Development Control is here to make sure that nobody obstructs them and the Director of Land is here to make sure they have access to their land,” he added.
Dr. Kassim Gidado, the company’s Executive Director, said the ongoing transformation in the FCT had increased investors’ confidence to make returns on investment.
He assured the minister that the project would not replicate the one in Dubai but edge it.
The project, he said, will be built to suit local cultural and traditional flavour and transform the Lugbe axis completely.
He said: “This development represents a bold new direction for real estate in Nigeria—blending elegance, sustainability, and economic value to create a truly world-class destination
“The City Walk Abuja, a landmark master-plan will redefine urban experience in the FCT.”
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