By Eunice Orike
Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MAG international links limited to develop the Abuja City Walk, a project modeled after the Dubai City Walk.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT,Nyesom Wike, during the signing of the MoU which was held on Wednesday in Abuja, expressed his commitment to ensuring the project’s success, saying it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Wike made clear that the era of speculative land grabbing in Abuja is over, insisting that only serious investors committed to clear timelines and visible progress will be accommodated.
“We are not giving out land for people to hold and speculate,” “This is a partnership anchored on results, not promises”, Wike said
“We have seen what you’ve done in Dubai. We’ve been to the site. We’ve reviewed the designs, approved the drawings, and signed the Certificates of Occupancy. Now we want to see bulldozers and concrete, not excuses,” the minister said.
Wike explained that City Walk Abuja will be monitored closely and supported heavily, with development control, land access, and planning bottlenecks all dismantled under his direct supervision.
He positioned the project as a key pillar of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, a mantra for job creation, investor confidence, and infrastructure renewal.
Wike stated that the project will not only bring investors but also create employment opportunities for Nigerians, emphasising that the FCTA will provide all necessary support to ensure its timely completion.
He disclosed that the investors have submitted their drawings, which have been approved, and their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) is ready.
However, he stressed that the FCTA will revoke the C-of-O if the investors fail to comply with the agreed timelines.
The Minister revealed that the project will be completed in phases, with the first phase expected to be completed by May next year, coinciding with President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
Wike assured the investors of the FCTA’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for the project, including access roads and other necessary infrastructure.
Earlier, executive director of MAG international links Dr Kassim Gidado, hailed the minister’s “personal push” as instrumental in accelerating the deal.
“This is not just another real estate project,” “City Walk Abuja is our flagship, a symbol of what is possible when public will meets private expertise. Our group operates in over 35 countries. But this is home”, Gidado said.
MAG International Links, a Nigerian-owned conglomerate with over 15 affiliated companies, has built a reputation for attracting Gulf investors to Nigeria and exporting Nigerian goods abroad.
Gidado confirmed that the Abuja project is already attracting attention from investors in the UAE and beyond.
“This will be our Canary Wharf,” referencing the transformation of East London from urban decay to global financial hub. “City Walk Abuja will transform not just the skyline, but the story of this capital city”, he added.
