Tinubu Launches Abuja City Walk Project, Says Nigeria Ready for Global Investment

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched the Sales Office and Experience Centre for the Abuja City Walk project, describing it as another step in his administration’s drive to attract investment and transform Nigeria’s economy.

The President, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the event in Abuja on Thursday, said the unveiling of the facility marked the beginning of a major private-sector development that would change the landscape of the Federal Capital Territory and create new opportunities for businesses and investors.

Tinubu said the launch was more than the opening of a new building, noting that it represented the start of a multi-billion-dollar project designed to support economic growth, modern infrastructure and urban development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He stated that his administration had promised to rebuild the economy and improve infrastructure when it came into office, adding that the Abuja City Walk project reflects those commitments.

The President explained that the development, located along the Abuja Airport Expressway corridor, is one of the largest private investments ever undertaken in Nigeria. According to him, the project is expected to become a major business and lifestyle destination while strengthening Abuja’s position as an international investment hub.

He said the project draws inspiration from similar developments in other parts of the world but has been designed to suit Nigeria’s needs and future plans.

Tinubu added that the project shows how government and the private sector can work together to deliver large-scale developments that create lasting economic value.

He disclosed that plans to grant the corridor Free Trade Zone status would help reduce trade barriers, encourage commercial activities and attract investment into sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, retail and tourism.

The President assured local and foreign investors that his administration remained committed to providing a secure and business-friendly environment. He said efforts were ongoing to improve legal, financial and administrative systems to protect investments and make doing business in Nigeria easier.

Tinubu also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for reviving the Abuja Technology Village corridor, which had remained inactive for decades. He said reforms in land administration had transformed the area into an active construction zone after years of delays.

According to him, the government has moved away from allowing land to remain idle for speculation, insisting that land allocations must lead to real development that benefits the public.

He urged both the FCT Administration and the developers, Master International Links, to move quickly from planning to construction so the project can deliver the expected benefits.

The President said the Abuja City Walk development would provide luxury homes, hotels, office complexes and commercial facilities while creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs for engineers, artisans, professionals and young Nigerians. He added that businesses across Abuja and neighbouring states would also benefit from the increased economic activities.

Tinubu described Nigeria’s youthful population as a major advantage and encouraged investors to take advantage of the country’s growing workforce and expanding market.

Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said the project supports the Tinubu administration’s efforts to attract more private investment into the country. He disclosed that discussions leading to the project began after development partners were introduced through the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Emem Usoro.

Wike admitted that he was initially doubtful because many investment proposals in the past had failed to materialise. However, he said the developers earned the government’s confidence after showing commitment and agreeing to immediate site inspections.

He revealed that the 250-hectare land allocated for the project had originally been designated for the Abuja Technology Village over 30 years ago but later became the target of illegal land grabbers and conflicting ownership claims before the FCT Administration reclaimed it.

The minister explained that he personally supervised the implementation committee to remove unnecessary delays and ensure that every stage of the project followed the agreed schedule.

According to him, the government quickly approved the required documents, built access roads through CGC Nigeria Limited and coordinated relevant agencies to speed up the project.

Wike, however, warned that the land allocation could be withdrawn if the developers fail to meet the agreed timelines, adding that the government expects visible progress rather than unfulfilled promises.

In his welcome address, Executive Director of Link Developments Master, City Walk, Dr Kassim Gidado, said the Experience Centre would give investors and visitors a clear picture of the planned development through digital displays, physical models and furnished sample apartments.

He explained that the master plan covers 250 hectares and includes a Google Tech Village, a Knowledge Park with two universities, healthcare facilities, shopping malls, five-star hotels, exhibition centres, residential neighbourhoods, parks, police and fire stations, places of worship and what is expected to become the largest indoor multipurpose arena in West Africa.

Gidado said the project is designed as a modern mixed-use district where technology, commerce, education, recreation and residential living come together, with the goal of making Abuja a leading destination for investment and sustainable urban development.