In a bold move to redefine the Federal Capital Territory’s urban and economic landscape, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has unveiled a transformative project — the Abuja City Walk, inspired by the globally acclaimed Dubai City Walk. The ambitious initiative is envisioned to position Abuja not only as the nation’s seat of government, but also as a thriving hub for tourism, international business, and high-end urban lifestyle. At a recent media parley in Abuja, Wike clarified the rationale behind the revocation of long-dormant land allocations, particularly at the Abuja Technology Village site. According to him, the decision is a necessary first step in actualising the Abuja City Walk — a multi-billion-naira venture that promises to unlock the commercial and diplomatic potential of the capital. “For over 20 years, the FCTA provided infrastructure, and yet, not a single block was laid. Instead, we discovered the lands were being leased out for uses like parking NNPC tankers. This is not development; it’s land-grabbing,” Wike lamented. The proposed Abuja City Walk is more than just an urban renewal project — it is a strategic step towards diversifying the economy of the FCT, enhancing Abuja’s global image, and creating a vibrant space for leisure, commerce, and cultural exchange. Drawing inspiration from the Dubai City Walk — a mixed-use urban development that seamlessly blends shopping, entertainment, and residential living — Wike said he was compelled to ask why such models couldn’t be replicated in Abuja. “When you go to some of these global cities, you ask, ‘Why can’t we do this in Abuja?’ These are environments that enrich people’s lives, stimulate the economy, and generate employment,” he said. An MoU has already been signed with private investors, who have committed to delivering the architectural designs and making necessary payments. The first phase of the project is scheduled for commissioning in 2026. Experts say the Abuja City Walk holds significant potential to reposition the capital as a destination of choice for global investors, tourists, and diplomats alike. Situated at the heart of Nigeria’s political power, the project will offer a fusion of modern aesthetics and commercial vibrancy, creating a new identity for Abuja that goes beyond government offices and gated estates. Tourism analysts believe the development will spur allied industries such as hospitality, fashion, creative arts, and luxury retail — sectors largely underexplored in the city. Additionally, with over 100 foreign embassies and consulates based in Abuja, the City Walk could serve as a safe, cosmopolitan space for informal diplomacy and high-level networking. “The synergy between diplomacy and commerce will be amplified. Imagine a place where international conferences, cultural shows, and elite shopping can take place side-by-side — all in Abuja,” said a senior official at the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission. To curb future cases of abandoned projects and speculative land holding, the FCTA is introducing strict development timelines. Under the new policy, land not developed within a stipulated period will automatically revert to the government. Wike’s approach signals a shift from passive land allocation to active land management — one that aligns with international urban development standards. The Minister also addressed criticisms regarding the revocation of the University of Abuja’s land, stating that the institution had left vast areas undeveloped for years. He reassured stakeholders that the remaining 4,000 hectares were sufficient for academic expansion, while other parts of the land had now been repurposed for critical infrastructure, including the EFCC academy. The Abuja City Walk announcement has rekindled investor interest in the capital’s luxury real estate and tourism sectors. In the city’s suburbs, several developers are already taking cues from the planned transformation. A new wave of luxury apartment projects and boutique retail spaces are being launched, especially around Jabi, Wuye, and Katampe districts — areas tipped to benefit from the spillover effects of the City Walk project. An Abuja-based developer noted, “With the kind of foot traffic and global appeal the City Walk will attract, demand for upscale residences and services will surge. We’re already positioning for that growth.” As Abuja gears up to embrace its own version of a global urban landmark, the Abuja City Walk represents more than just brick and mortar. It is a vision of a new capital — one that speaks the language of modernity, inclusiveness, and opportunity. If executed with discipline and transparency, the project could mark a turning point in Abuja’s journey toward becoming West Africa’s most vibrant, future-ready metropolis. With Minister Wike at the helm and private capital showing renewed interest, the dream of an Abuja that blends governance, glamour, and global business may be closer than ever.