FCTA Partners With Private Investor For Dubai-Inspired City Walk In Abuja.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MAG International Links Ltd, a private investor, to develop City Walk Abuja, a transformative 200-hectare mixed-use urban project inspired by Dubai’s renowned City Walk. The agreement, formalised on Wednesday in Abuja, marks a significant step towards modernising Nigeria’s capital city, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, speaking at the signing ceremony, described the initiative as a flagship project designed to attract private investment and create employment opportunities. The development, to be located along Airport Road on land previously earmarked for the Abuja Technology Village, will integrate residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, healthcare, and institutional facilities into a walkable, vibrant urban hub. Wike emphasised that the project’s designs have been approved, and the Certificate of Occupancy is ready, ensuring swift progress. He also highlighted strict provisions in the MoU to enforce compliance with agreed specifications and timelines, addressing past issues of land speculation.
“For over two decades, this land has remained undeveloped, with challenges from land grabbers stalling progress,” Wike noted. “This partnership changes that pattern. We will monitor development closely to ensure delivery.” He added that the FCTA would provide access roads and eliminate bureaucratic delays to support the investor, with the first phase of the project targeted for completion by May 2026, coinciding with President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
Dr Kassim Gidado, Executive Director of MAG International Links Ltd, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stressing that City Walk Abuja would not merely replicate Dubai’s model but surpass it by incorporating local cultural and traditional elements. “This development will transform the Lugbe axis and redefine urban living in the Federal Capital Territory,” Gidado said. He drew parallels with London’s Canary Wharf, noting that the project could regenerate the area, turning it into a world-class destination that blends elegance, sustainability, and economic value.
The minister underscored the FCTA’s commitment to fostering an investor-friendly environment, citing President Tinubu’s directive to support initiatives that drive national development. “Anyone who has visited Dubai’s City Walk will appreciate the vision behind this project,” Wike said. “We are determined to ensure it becomes a reality, creating jobs and enhancing Abuja’s urban landscape.”
Dr Gidado praised the FCTA’s proactive approach, noting that recent transformations in the capital have boosted investor confidence. “We are 100% Nigerian and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said, reaffirming the company’s commitment to delivering a project that could rival global urban landmarks.
With an estimated cost of $1.5 billion, City Walk Abuja is poised to become a cornerstone of urban development in Nigeria, promising to elevate the capital’s aesthetic and economic profile while offering residents and visitors a modern, culturally rich urban experience.
