The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MAG International Links Ltd for the development of City Walk Abuja, an ambitious project modeled after Dubai’s famous City Walk.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike explained that the project would sit on about 200 hectares and bring together a curated mix of residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, institutional, and healthcare facilities.
“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,” Wike said.
“But we have to sign an agreement such that if you don’t 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.”
Wike criticized a long-standing trend where developers secure land but fail to implement projects, turning them into speculative ventures.
“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,” he said.
The minister revealed that City Walk Abuja would be built on land previously designated for the Abuja Technology Village along Airport Road—land that had remained undeveloped for two decades.
“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,” he stressed.
“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.”
According to Wike, construction will begin soon, with foundation-laying targeted between July and August 2025, and the first phase scheduled for completion by May 2026, to mark President Bola Tinubu’s third year in office.
He assured the investor of government support to ensure smooth implementation:
“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.”
The Executive Director of MAG International Links Ltd, Dr. Kassim Gidado, praised the ongoing transformation in the FCT, saying it has boosted investor confidence:
“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,” Gidado said.
“The City Walk Abuja will not replicate the one in Dubai but edge it. The project will be built to suit local cultural and traditional flavour and transform the Lugbe axis completely. The City Walk Abuja, a landmark master-plan, will redefine urban experience in the FCT.”
The project, Wike concluded, is a key milestone in Abuja’s growth and part of the Tinubu administration’s agenda to attract investment and create jobs through world-class infrastructure.
