After more than a decade of delays, work has officially resumed on the Abuja Centenary City, one of Nigeria’s most ambitious urban renewal projects.
Valued at an estimated $18 billion, the Abuja Centenary City project is set to attract significant foreign direct investment and position the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a model of sustainable, world-class urban development.
Construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has been awarded a N750 billion contract to deliver Phase 1 of the city’s primary infrastructure, marking a pivotal step in transforming Abuja into a global investment and lifestyle hub.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Managing Director of Centenary City Free Zone Enterprises, Dr Odenigwe Ike Michaels Jr, confirmed that Phase 1 will be executed in lots.
Lot 1 includes a 4.3-kilometre plot access road and secondary infrastructure for key residential areas, including The Grove Residences, Safari Park Residences, and The Ridge Villas.
Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (DAR), the international firm behind the city’s original master plan, has been retained to provide detailed engineering designs for the project.
“After years of stagnation, the project is back on track to redefine sub-Saharan Africa’s skyline and elevate Nigeria’s global urban profile,” Dr Michaels said.
The Abuja Centenary City was launched in 2014 to commemorate Nigeria’s centenary, designed as a smart, private-sector-driven city modelled after Dubai, Monaco, and Singapore. Early development was hindered by bureaucratic and funding challenges, leaving the project dormant for over a decade.
Julius Berger’s Managing Director, Dr Peer Lubasch, praised the opportunity to participate in the city’s revival.
“Centenary City is more than infrastructure. It is an investment in Abuja’s future. It will generate jobs, attract international investment, and showcase world-class hotels, leisure spaces, and recreation while honouring Nigeria’s cultural heritage,” he said.
The master plan integrates urban development with the natural landscape, combining a vibrant downtown skyline with serene suburban living. Planned components include luxury hotels, serviced apartments, an international commerce centre, the Centenary International Convention Centre, the Mall of Africa, championship golf and polo courses, cultural and entertainment districts, amusement parks, healthcare and educational facilities, and industrial parks.
The management of Centenary City Free Zone Enterprises acknowledged the backing of FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike and Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, whose support was crucial to reviving the project.
