The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MAG International Links Ltd for the development of City Walk Abuja, a 200-hectare, mixed-use smart city project modelled after the iconic City Walk in Dubai.
The partnership was sealed during a high-level ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike described the project as a strategic flagship initiative designed to attract private investment, boost economic growth, and create thousands of jobs in Nigeria’s capital city.
City Walk Abuja will be located along Airport Road, on land previously earmarked for the Abuja Technology Village, which has remained idle for over two decades. The new development will feature an integrated mix of residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, healthcare, and institutional spaces, all set within a pedestrian-friendly, world-class urban environment.
Wike revealed that MAG International had submitted and secured approval for its architectural plans, and the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued. He stressed that the MoU includes strict clauses to ensure full compliance with development specifications and timelines, warning that any breach could lead to immediate revocation of land.
The minister also took a swipe at past land speculators who hoarded prime real estate without meaningful development, vowing that the FCTA will monitor City Walk Abuja closely to prevent a recurrence of such practices.
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According to Wike, the multi-billion-naira development will be executed in phases, with site preparation beginning between July and August 2025. The first phase is expected to be completed by May 2026, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
To fast-track delivery, the FCTA will provide essential infrastructure, including access roads, and offer full institutional support to the investor. Key agencies such as the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Development Control, and the Department of Lands have been directed to ensure a smooth and speedy take-off of the project.
Dr. Kassim Gidado, Executive Director of MAG International Links Ltd, said City Walk Abuja will not be a direct copy of its Dubai counterpart but will be tailored to reflect Nigeria’s unique culture, identity, and urban needs.
Once completed, the project is expected to transform the Lugbe axis and redefine modern urban living in the Federal Capital Territory, positioning Abuja as a global destination for commerce, lifestyle, and innovation.