Stories by Stanley Onyekwere
To ensure swift realisation of a proposed City Walk Abuja project, a landmark master-planned development across approximately 200 hectares land, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MAG International Links Limited, the investors.
It was gathered that the project, which is introduced by the investors, is set to redefine the urban experience in the FCT, inspired by the globally successful City Walk concept in Dubai and brings together a thoughtfully curated mix of residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, institutional, and healthcare components.
Speaking during the MOU signing on the timeline for the development of the project, FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, revealed that the Investors identified the Abuja Technology Village, near Lugbe District as where the project will be sited.
Wike added they have submitted their drawings, and their drawings have been approved, and their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) is ready.
He however, noted that the FCTA insisted that it had to sign an agreement with the investors, so that if they don’t comply within a given development timeline, then the government would have the right to revoke the land for the project.
According to him: “We have agreed that there will be timelines where you have to say that from today to the next time, you have done this.
“We went to the Abuja Technology Village, where they have identified. For the past 20 years, nothing has happened. And therefore, I would not like to use this opportunity that we have seen investors who really want to invest and develop.
“If anybody has gone to Dubai and has seen the Dubai City Walk, there is no way you will not appreciate and encourage investors to please come that we are willing to work with them.
“The very essence of the renewed hope agenda is not only to bring investors, but also to create employment for our people. And I did direct that I was going to chair this, so that they will know the seriousness we attach to this.”
He continued: “I have visited them, and I am quite impressed with what I saw. And so that is the essence of our gathering here today, to formally say that this has to be done.
“In the first part of it, from now till May next year, which will be the 3rd anniversary of Mr. President, one aspect of it will be completed for Mr. President to commission during his 3rd anniversary in office. And that from now till August, the foundation must be laid. So that is the whole essence of our gathering here today.
“On our own part, we have promised to do some access roads to enable them to start up immediately. And the Executive Secretary of FCDA is doing his best to see that there’s no delay in this project. This project is very key for the development of Abuja.
“If we can have that in this city, of course, Nigerians will know indeed that Mr. President has changed the narrative as far as development in Abuja is concerned. If Nigeria would have had this support before now, it would have gone far.
“You showed me what you really have done. And I can assure you that we are also going to make sure that there will be no hindrance to the development of this Abuja city walk.
“So, all we want for you is to partner with us seriously and let us achieve this area within the next one year.
“So, we are going to give them all the necessary support that they require, because that’s what Mr. President wants. He has done well to encourage investors, to give them hope that Nigeria is ready to receive them for development.
“And we want to thank Mr. President for that encouragement and that is what has led to this. It used to be difficult, because most people before now, don’t have that confidence. We have made sure that legally, nothing will hinder it.”
On his part, the Executive Director, MAG International Links limited, Dr. Kassim Gidado, noted that with the agreement signed, the project will be make a big mark, as it’s a development that is going to create a whole generation of the airport access.
Gidado added that such a project with a colossal amount of manpower in all levels, at all levels, and also all aspects of life would create jobs for the Abuja people, in line with the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that the company, which is purely a Nigerian company that is operating in different parts of the world, has been in the business of attracting investors to Nigeria.
According to him, “Investors are all geared towards the interaction with other investors in Dubai and other parts of the gold future.
“They are all keen in trying to engage with the development of Abuja City. And the Abuja City Walk is not just going to replicate what we have seen in Dubai, we want to make an edge over that. And we are going to also adopt it to suit our cultural and traditional flavor.
“It is going to include things like some of the desired aspects of medical facilities that need to be provided in this access.
“We believe the City Walk is going to transform the area completely. And that will trigger a lot of generation.”
He adds: “ “Our group is a group of companies, about 15 different companies, all targeted towards different aspects. And each one of these elements or each one of these affiliates contributes directly to what we’re trying to do in the Abuja City Walk.
“We consider the Abuja City Walk to be a major flagship for us as a group, because we are in excess of about 35 different countries around the world.
“And we make sure that wherever we do, we follow your footsteps in terms of your emphasis on establishing quality. We have seen what Abuja has been transformed in the last few years under your stewardship.
“And we believe this is the time that investors have all the confidence that once they come into this space, they will certainly perform brilliantly well and make their return on investment.
“And we are so impressed, your Excellency, with the fact that you decided to consider this project as a flagship for Abuja development. And we are so proud that you have taken it upon yourself and took the liberty of it.
“It is your own push that is making us to feel, yes, we can do a lot more in this environment. And the confidence is there.”
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
