The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has signed a multi-billion naira Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MAG International Links Ltd for the development of the City Walk Abuja project, aimed at boosting real estate development in Nigeria’s capital.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, Nyesom Wike, Minister of FCT said the project would mirror the design and concept of Dubai’s renowned City Walk.
He explained that the development would occupy land originally earmarked for the Abuja Technology Village along Airport Road, which has remained dormant for over two decades.
Wike noted that the agreement with the developer includes clear timelines and performance clauses to ensure project delivery. He warned that failure to meet the agreed milestones could result in the revocation of the allocated land.
“We have approved their drawings, and the Certificate of Occupancy is ready,” Wike said. “But we are not just handing out titles without conditions. If you fail to meet the stipulated terms and deadlines, we will take the land back. We are determined to break the cycle where developers acquire vast plots and leave them idle for years”, he noted.
The minister decried the widespread pattern of land speculation in the FCT, citing cases where individuals had acquired hundreds of hectares without any meaningful development for over 20 years. He emphasised that such practices would no longer be tolerated, particularly in strategic locations like the Technology Village.
“The City Walk project represents a serious investment with clear deliverables, and we intend to strictly monitor its execution,” he added.
Foundation works are expected to commence between July and August 2025, with the first phase scheduled for completion by May 2026—a timeline Wike said is intended to coincide with President Bola Tinubu’s third year in office.
The minister assured that the FCT Administration would provide the necessary infrastructure to support the early commencement of construction. These include access roads and seamless land handover, while relevant departments such as Development Control and Land Administration have been directed to fast-track approvals and eliminate bureaucratic delays.
Describing the project as a flagship component of the **Renewed Hope Agenda**, Wike said the administration is focused on attracting serious investors who will stimulate economic activity and job creation across the territory.
Kassim Gidado, Executive Director of MAG International Links Ltd, stated that the Abuja version of City Walk would not merely replicate the Dubai model but would offer a unique interpretation that blends global design standards with Nigerian cultural identity.
“This development signals a new direction for real estate in the country. It will transform the Lugbe axis and redefine the urban living experience in Abuja,” Gidado said.
According to him, the investor-friendly posture of the FCT Administration has boosted investor confidence and paved the way for more ambitious and value-driven developments in the capital city.
