Abuja is set to take a major step in its urban transformation on Thursday as physical construction begins on the ₦2.4 trillion Abuja City Walk, a landmark development expected to reshape the capital's skyline while strengthening its position as a leading destination for investment, business, tourism and modern city living.
The 250-hectare mixed-use project, located along the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport corridor, will officially be unveiled during a ceremony scheduled to hold from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Plot 28, Cadastral Zone C17, Industrial Area II, Abuja.
Designed by internationally acclaimed architecture firm Benoy, the masterplan combines residential, commercial, hospitality, entertainment and cultural facilities into a single integrated district. At its centre is a proposed 450-metre skyscraper projected to become Africa's tallest tower, accommodating premium office space, luxury residences and hospitality facilities. The development will also feature a 13,000-seat indoor arena expected to be Nigeria's largest indoor sports and entertainment venue, alongside an arts district offering approximately 12,000 square metres of exhibition and performance space.
Sustainability is a key feature of the project. Its signature ecological corridor, known as The Living Ravine, is based on a Sponge District concept that incorporates wetlands, swales and green waterways to improve flood management, harvest rainwater and enhance climate resilience. The innovative landscape has already been shortlisted for the 2026 World Landscape Architecture Awards.
The development is being delivered by MAG Group, the parent company of MAG International Links Limited, in partnership with Link Developments. During Thursday's ceremony, Link Developments is expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi royal Prince Khalid bin Saud bin Khalid bin Turki Al Saud, who will also address prospective investors.
The Nigeria-Arab Gulf Chamber of Commerce is also expected to deliver commitment remarks, reflecting growing interest from Gulf-based institutions in Nigeria's real estate sector. Located within a Federal Government-designated Free Trade Zone, the project will benefit from tax incentives and a favourable regulatory framework aimed at attracting long-term foreign investment.
Although the vision is futuristic, the site has a long history. Originally allocated to the Abuja Technology Village, the land remained largely undeveloped for more than 20 years. Progress resumed following reforms by the Federal Capital Territory Administration under the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, which focused on recovering dormant land allocations, completing outstanding regulatory approvals, issuing the Certificate of Occupancy and committing to the construction of access roads. The developers subsequently agreed to execute the project in phases.
The foundation for Abuja City Walk was laid in June 2025 when MAG International Links Limited and Link Developments signed a joint venture agreement to transform the site into a world-class urban district capable of positioning Abuja as a regional investment and tourism hub.
Speaking on the initiative, Wike said the development would rise on the former Abuja Technology Village site in Lugbe along Airport Road, where little progress had been made for about two decades. He acknowledged challenges posed by land grabbers in the area and said the government was determined to support genuine investors committed to developing the land for the benefit of the city.
Drawing a comparison with Dubai's City Walk, Wike said Abuja has the potential to deliver a destination of similar global appeal, adding that attracting investment and creating employment opportunities remain central to the government's agenda.
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