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Wike Sign Landmark Deal to Develop Dubai-Style ‘City Walk’ in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MAG International Links Ltd for the development of City Walk Abuja — a 200-hectare, mixed-use urban project modeled after the famed City Walk Dubai.
The agreement, signed Wednesday in Abuja, marks a major step in the FCTA’s effort to reposition the capital city through world-class infrastructure under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike described the project as key to Abuja’s development and economic transformation. He said the first phase would be completed by May 2026, in time to mark President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
“This project will not only attract investment but also create jobs for our people,” Wike said. “We are serious about implementation. If the developer does not follow the approved specifications and timeline, the land will be revoked.”
City Walk Abuja is expected to feature a mix of residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, healthcare, and institutional facilities — carefully designed to create a self-sustaining urban lifestyle hub.
Wike warned that the era of speculative land hoarding was over. “Too many people have held on to 200–300 hectares of land for decades and done nothing. That will no longer be tolerated,” he said.
The minister revealed that the site earmarked for the project, located along Airport Road, was originally designated as the Abuja Technology Village, which had been left undeveloped for 20 years due to land grabbing and lack of commitment from stakeholders.
“We are not going to waste this opportunity now that we have serious investors,” Wike emphasized. “If you’ve been to Dubai and seen City Walk, you’ll appreciate this vision.”
The FCT Administration has already approved MAG’s development plans and issued a Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O). Wike assured that access roads and full legal support would be provided to fast-track execution.
Executive Director of MAG International Links Ltd, Dr. Kassim Gidado, commended the FCT’s new development drive and investor-friendly posture. He pledged that City Walk Abuja would not just replicate Dubai’s model, but “edge it” — incorporating local culture, sustainability, and economic relevance.
“This project represents a bold new direction for real estate in Nigeria and will completely transform the Lugbe axis into a world-class urban destination,” Gidado said.
