By Hosanna Eseose
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the ₦2.4 trillion Abuja City Walk project, describing the landmark mixed-use development as a major boost to infrastructure development, investment and economic growth in Nigeria.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the launch of the project’s Sales Office and Experience Centre in Abuja on Thursday, said the development reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda’s commitment to transforming the country’s infrastructure landscape through strategic private sector investments.
Tinubu described the Abuja City Walk as one of the most ambitious private sector investment projects in Nigeria’s history, noting that it has been granted Free Trade Zone status to promote regional commerce, attract high-end retail and hospitality businesses, encourage medical tourism and eliminate trade barriers.
He reassured local and foreign investors of the Federal Government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment by strengthening legal, financial and regulatory frameworks that protect investments and guarantee returns.
The President commended the project’s developers, MAG International Links, stating that the development draws inspiration from globally recognised urban concepts while being adapted to meet Africa’s unique needs.
According to him, the project will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs for young Nigerians, artisans, engineers and other professionals, while stimulating growth across construction, manufacturing, logistics and technology sectors.
Tinubu also linked the initiative to Nigeria’s rapidly growing population, saying the country must continue investing in infrastructure capable of supporting its youthful population and driving long-term economic development.
He further praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for reforms that have improved land administration and accelerated project delivery in Abuja, adding that the era of abandoned development projects in the nation’s capital is coming to an end.
Earlier, Wike disclosed that the 250-hectare project site along the Airport Road had remained undeveloped for more than two decades after it was originally allocated for the Abuja Technology Village.
He said the FCT Administration recovered the land from illegal occupants and resolved ownership disputes to pave the way for the investment, adding that the opportunity was facilitated by the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Emem Usoro.
The minister explained that he personally chaired a committee comprising officials from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Development Control, Urban and Regional Planning, and the Land Registry to fast-track approvals, reducing the processing time for building plans to just two days.
He also revealed that access roads to the project site are being constructed to support immediate development.
Wike stressed that the FCT Administration has entered into a performance-based agreement with the developers, warning that the government would revoke the land allocation if agreed construction milestones are not met within the stipulated timeline.
The Abuja City Walk project is expected to become a major commercial, residential and tourism hub, further positioning Abuja as a leading destination for investment and urban development in Africa.