President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday launched the Sales Office and Experience Centre for the Abuja City Walk project in Abuja, saying the development marks a new phase in Nigeria’s drive to attract local and foreign investment.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the project reflects the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda and shows the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and expanding economic opportunities across the country.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu said the launch was more than the opening of a new facility. He described it as the beginning of a multi-billion-dollar development expected to transform the Federal Capital Territory into a centre for business, innovation and modern city living. He added that the project shows the administration is delivering on its promises of economic growth and national development.
The President explained that the Abuja City Walk project, located along the Abuja Airport Expressway, is one of the largest private-sector developments in Nigeria. Inspired by similar projects in other parts of the world but designed to suit Nigeria’s needs, the development is expected to become a major destination for commerce, tourism and investment.
Tinubu said the Federal Government believes strong cooperation with private investors remains necessary for economic growth. He added that plans to grant the area Free Trade Zone status would help remove trade barriers, encourage investment and support sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, retail and regional commerce.
He assured both Nigerian and foreign investors that the government remains committed to protecting investments by improving legal, financial and administrative systems. According to him, ongoing reforms are aimed at creating a stable environment where businesses can operate with confidence and enjoy better returns.
The President also praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for reviving the Abuja Technology Village corridor after years of inactivity. He noted that the area had remained undeveloped for decades due to administrative delays but is now witnessing rapid construction and renewed investor interest. He added that the government is ending the practice of land speculation by ensuring allocated land is used for development.
Tinubu said the Abuja City Walk project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for engineers, artisans, professionals and young Nigerians while supporting businesses that supply materials and services within the FCT and nearby states. He described Nigeria’s growing population as an advantage for investors seeking long-term opportunities.
He urged the project developers and the FCT Administration to ensure construction moves quickly beyond the launch of the experience centre so the project can deliver its expected economic benefits within the planned timeline.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said the development aligns with the administration’s efforts to attract investment into the country. He explained that discussions with development partners, introduced through Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor Emem Usoro, led to the project after the developers showed commitment and accepted immediate inspection of the proposed site.
Wike said the 250-hectare land was originally reserved for the Abuja Technology Village more than 30 years ago but had become occupied by illegal land grabbers and conflicting ownership claims before the FCT Administration reclaimed it for development. He added that he personally supervised the implementation process to reduce delays and ensure government approvals were issued without unnecessary bureaucracy.
According to the minister, the government has already provided key infrastructure, including access roads built by CGC Nigeria Limited, while relevant agencies worked together to support the project. He maintained that the role of government is to create an environment that encourages private investment and job creation.
Wike, however, warned the developers that the land allocation could be withdrawn if they fail to meet agreed construction deadlines, saying the administration is focused on seeing visible progress rather than unfulfilled proposals.
Executive Director of Link Developments Master City Walk, Dr. Kassim Gidado, described the Experience Centre as an important step in bringing the project closer to investors. He said the facility allows visitors to explore the development through digital displays, physical models and furnished sample apartments.
Gidado explained that the master plan covers 250 hectares and includes a technology village, knowledge park with two universities, healthcare facilities, shopping centres, hotels, exhibition halls, residential communities, parks, emergency services, places of worship and a large indoor multipurpose arena expected to become one of the biggest in West Africa.
He said the goal is to build a modern mixed-use district that combines business, innovation, culture and residential living while making Abuja more attractive to global investors.