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—a modern, mixed-use urban destination modeled after Dubai’s iconic City Walk.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on Wednesday in Abuja, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike described the project as a game-changer that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to attract investment and generate employment.
The proposed City Walk Abuja will span approximately 200 hectares along the Airport Road, in the area formerly designated for the Abuja Technology Village—an area that has remained undeveloped for over two decades.
“This project will be a carefully curated mix of residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, institutional, and healthcare facilities,” Wike said. “If you’ve been to City Walk Dubai, you’ll understand why we are excited. This initiative will transform Abuja.”
Strict Oversight to Prevent Land Speculation
Wike emphasized that the agreement includes clear timelines and performance expectations to ensure delivery, adding that a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) had already been issued to the company following the approval of its design plans.
“We have signed this MoU to hold the developer accountable. If they fail to meet the agreed specifications and deadlines, we reserve the right to revoke the land,” he said.
He decried the past trend of land speculation in Abuja, where individuals acquired large plots—sometimes up to 300 hectares—for mass housing or other purposes but failed to develop them.
“We’re changing that pattern. This administration will strictly monitor all development activities. The era of land hoarding is over,” he stated.
Reviving a Dormant Corridor
The project site, located in Lugbe along the Airport Road, had been earmarked for the Abuja Technology Village but remained stagnant for years. Wike noted that multiple stakeholders, including those originally involved in the tech village, had contributed to the area’s lack of progress.
“This opportunity is too important to ignore. We now have serious investors ready to build, and we must support them fully,” he said.
Construction Timeline and Government Support
According to Wike, the City Walk Abuja will be developed in phases, with groundbreaking expected between July and August 2025. The first phase is slated for completion by May 2026—timed to mark President Tinubu’s third year in office.
To facilitate speedy execution, the FCTA will provide critical infrastructure support, including access roads. The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), along with key officials from Development Control and the Land Department, are working to ensure a seamless start.
“We have removed all legal bottlenecks. No agency will obstruct the project. We are fully committed to seeing it through,” Wike affirmed.
A New Vision for Urban Living
Dr. Kassim Gidado, Executive Director of MAG International Links Ltd, praised the FCT’s ongoing reforms, which he said have restored investor confidence.
“City Walk Abuja will not just replicate Dubai’s model—it will surpass it,” Gidado declared. “We’re tailoring it to reflect Nigeria’s cultural identity while meeting global standards in design, sustainability, and economic value.”
He added that the development would redefine the urban experience in Abuja and completely transform the Lugbe axis into a modern, vibrant community.