Abuja City Walk took a significant step toward becoming one of Africa’s largest mixed-use developments on Thursday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially launched the project’s Sales Office and Experience Centre, declaring that Nigeria is ready to welcome both local and foreign investors.
Key Highlights:
- President Tinubu launches the Abuja City Walk Experience Centre in Abuja.
- Project is expected to transform a 250-hectare site into a world-class mixed-use city.
- Tinubu declares Nigeria open for business, assuring investors of a secure investment climate.
- FCT Minister Nyesom Wike says the project ends a 30-year Abuja Technology Village stalemate.
- Development to feature a Google Tech Village, universities, hospitals, malls, hotels and West Africa’s largest indoor arena.
- Thousands of direct and indirect jobs expected during construction and operation.
- Government warns developers to meet agreed timelines or risk losing the land allocation.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President described the launch as more than the commissioning of a building, saying it symbolises the beginning of a multi-billion-dollar investment that aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and positions Abuja as a global destination for commerce, innovation and modern urban development.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tinubu said the launch of the Experience Centre represents the unveiling of “a window to a multi-billion-dollar future” that will redefine the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a hub for investment, innovation and sustainable urban development.
“Today, we are not just opening a building; we are unveiling the window to a multi-billion-dollar future. We are presenting a tangible manifestation of our Renewed Hope Agenda, sculpted in concrete, innovation and unwavering determination,” the President said.
He recalled that his administration came into office with a commitment to economic transformation and infrastructure renewal, adding that the Abuja City Walk project demonstrates the government’s determination to deliver on those promises.
Located along the Abuja Airport Expressway corridor, the President described the development as one of the most ambitious private-sector investment projects in Nigeria’s history, saying it would become the country’s premier gateway for global business and investment.
Although inspired by internationally acclaimed developments such as Dubai City Walk, Tinubu noted that the project has been tailored to suit Nigeria’s unique economic aspirations and urban landscape.
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He stressed that sustainable national development can only be achieved through effective collaboration between the public and private sectors, describing Abuja City Walk as a model for future investments.
The President further disclosed that plans to designate the corridor as a Free Trade Zone would eliminate trade bottlenecks while promoting regional commerce, medical tourism, premium retail businesses and high-end hospitality investments.
Reassuring investors, Tinubu said Nigeria remains committed to protecting investments through improved legal, financial and regulatory frameworks.
“Let me reassure both domestic and international investors: Nigeria is open for business, and your investments are safe. Our legal, physical and financial frameworks are continuously being optimised to protect capital, guarantee returns and eliminate unnecessary administrative bottlenecks,” he stated.
Tinubu also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for reviving the long-abandoned Abuja Technology Village corridor through decisive reforms and efficient land administration.
He noted that after decades of inactivity, the once-dormant corridor has been transformed into a major construction and investment destination.
The President added that his administration has ended the era of land speculation and abandoned projects, insisting that land should serve as an engine for economic growth rather than speculative purposes.
He charged both the FCT Administration and the project developers, Master International Links, to ensure the Experience Centre quickly translates into visible construction activities.
According to him, beyond luxury residences, commercial towers and five-star hotels, the project will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs for engineers, artisans, professionals and young Nigerians while stimulating supply chains across Abuja and neighbouring states.
Describing Nigeria’s youthful population as one of its greatest economic assets, Tinubu urged investors to take advantage of the country’s growing market.
Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said the project aligns with President Tinubu’s investment drive and revealed that discussions with development partners facilitated by Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor Emem Usoro paved the way for its implementation.
Wike admitted that he was initially sceptical after years of receiving investment proposals that never materialised but said he became convinced after the developers demonstrated commitment and agreed to immediate inspections of the project site.
He disclosed that the 250-hectare site had originally been allocated for the Abuja Technology Village more than 30 years ago but was later overtaken by illegal land grabbers and fraudulent ownership claims before the FCT Administration reclaimed it.
“I put my foot down and said this is government property and I must drive this development to come to the FCT,” Wike said.
The minister explained that he personally chaired the implementation committee to eliminate bureaucratic delays, fast-track approvals and ensure all government commitments were fulfilled promptly.
He said the FCT Administration delivered statutory approvals within days, constructed access roads through CGC Nigeria Limited and coordinated relevant agencies to facilitate rapid project execution.
While expressing confidence in the project, Wike warned that the government would not tolerate unnecessary delays.
“I’m not interested in theories. I’m interested in keeping to our agreement. If the timelines are not met, we’ll take back our land,” he declared.
In his welcome address, Executive Director of Link Developments Master City Walk, Dr. Kassim Gidado, described the commissioning of the Experience Centre as a major milestone in bringing the Abuja City Walk vision to reality.
He explained that the centre offers investors and stakeholders an immersive experience through physical models, interactive digital displays and fully furnished prototype apartments.
According to Gidado, the 250-hectare master plan envisions a “city within a city” featuring a Google Tech Village, Knowledge Park with two universities, healthcare facilities, shopping malls, five-star hotels, exhibition centres, residential communities, parks, police and fire stations, places of worship and what is projected to become West Africa’s largest indoor multipurpose arena.
He said the development is designed as a climate-responsive, walkable mixed-use district where innovation, commerce, culture and community life converge, positioning Abuja as one of Africa’s leading investment destinations.
