Tinubu Unveils Multi-Billion Dollar Abuja Project, Sends Strong Message to Investors

(President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Photo by Daily Post)

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed his call to local and foreign investors to key into the vast opportunities available in Nigeria.

He noted that beyond the country's youthful population and improved infrastructure, his administration has reinforced the legal, financial and regulatory frameworks needed to protect investments.

According to him, the unveiling of the Sales Office and Experience Centre for the multi-billion-dollar Abuja City Walk project further underscores this progress.

Describing the project, sited along the Abuja Airport Expressway corridor, as one of the most ambitious private-sector ventures in the nation's history, Tinubu said it would position Nigeria as a gateway to global commerce.

Represented at the event by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, he called it a significant milestone in the execution of the Renewed Hope Agenda and proof of Nigeria's readiness to do business.

He remarked that the occasion marked more than the launch of a building, but rather the unveiling of a pathway to a multi-billion-dollar future, one that embodies the Renewed Hope Agenda in physical form.

He assured both local and foreign investors that Nigeria remains open for business and that their investments would be protected, noting that the country's legal, physical and financial systems are being continuously refined to safeguard capital, ensure returns and cut down administrative bottlenecks.

He described the Experience Centre as an invitation for investors to be part of Nigeria's future and evidence of the nation's ability to dream big and follow through with discipline.

Tinubu explained that the launch signals the start of a broader urban transformation that would establish the Federal Capital Territory as a global hub for commerce, innovation and modern living.

He recalled that his government, upon assumption of office, had promised economic transformation and infrastructural renewal, adding that the Abuja City Walk project demonstrates that commitment in action.

While acknowledging that the project draws inspiration from Dubai's City Walk concept, he said it had been adapted to suit Nigeria's specific needs and aspirations.

He maintained that sustainable economic growth depends on strong collaboration between government and the private sector, and stated that designating the corridor a Free Trade Zone would remove trade barriers while boosting regional commerce, medical tourism, upscale retail and premium hospitality investments.

The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for reviving the long-dormant Abuja Technology Village corridor through reforms and improved land administration, noting that the project, stagnant for over two decades, is now recording real progress.

He said: "For over 20 years, the Abuja Technology Village corridor lay dormant.

Today, through aggressive land administration reforms and the eradication of bureaucratic inertia, it is being transformed into a bustling construction hub."

Tinubu added that his administration has put an end to land speculation and abandoned projects in the capital, and urged the FCT Administration along with the developers, Master International Links, to follow up the unveiling with swift physical construction.

He said that beyond luxury homes, hotels and commercial towers, the project would create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for engineers, artisans and young Nigerians, while boosting economic activity across the FCT and neighbouring states.

Speaking earlier, Wike said the project aligns with President Tinubu's vision of drawing strategic investments into the country, noting that the opportunity arose from engagements with development partners introduced through the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria in charge of Corporate Services, Emem Usoro.

He admitted he had initially been doubtful, given past proposals that failed to materialise, but became convinced after the developers showed commitment and allowed a physical inspection of the site.

He explained that the 250-hectare land set aside for the Abuja Technology Village over 30 years ago had become exposed to land grabbers and fraudulent claims before the FCT Administration reclaimed it for development.

According to Wike: "I put my foot down and said this is government property and I must drive this development to come to the FCT. The whole essence of government is to provide an enabling environment for investors to come in and develop.

There are a lot of jobs that will be created here."

He, however, cautioned that the government would revoke the land allocation should the developers fail to meet agreed deadlines, stressing: "I'm not interested in theories.

I'm interested in keeping to our agreement in terms of what we have said. If the timelines are not met, we'll take back our land."

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Link Developments Master City Walk, Dr Kassim Gidado, described the unveiling as a major step toward realising the Abuja City Walk vision, noting that the facility gives prospective investors an immersive experience through interactive digital displays, detailed project models and fully furnished prototype apartments.