On Aug. 19, the Managing Director of Abuja Centenary City Project, Dr. Ike M. Odenigwe, told journalists in Abuja that building the entire city will cost more than $1.6 billion (N2.4 trillion). He said the city is planned as a multifunctional place that will offer a complete cosmopolitan lifestyle for residents.
Dr. Odenigwe shared that the first phase of the project has been given to Messrs Julius Berger Nigeria PLC for N750 billion. This phase will focus on providing primary infrastructure and carrying out the detailed engineering design for the whole project. He added that Messrs Dar Al-Handasah Consultants will oversee the city’s plan, making it a key urban renewal effort for Abuja. The goal of working with these trusted companies is to follow the original master plan’s vision.
“The City Project will create value and boost Abuja’s image to attract international investment. It is designed to blend with nature, with districts and communities fitting into the natural landscape for a beautiful and peaceful suburban life,” he explained.
The managing director said residents will enjoy features like five-star hotels, an international commerce centre, a Mall of Africa, a championship golf course and estate, a Polo course and estate, Nigeria and Safari Parks, an African Arts Museum, an Industrial Park, and entertainment options.
He noted that after a long pause in development, the project is now moving forward again, with a promise to reshape sub-Saharan Africa’s skyline and lift Nigeria’s standing in urban planning. “We are proud of our long partnership with Julius Berger and DAR, and we are committed to working with their expert teams to start and finish the primary infrastructure of Centenary Economic City Free Zone, following our Board of Directors’ vision,” he added.
Dr. Odenigwe thanked the Ministers of the FCT and Housing and Urban Development for their leadership and support, which have driven sustainable development. Both ministers see the true value of modern urban renewal in this project.
When asked about the high cost, he explained that construction prices have risen over the 11 years since the project was abandoned, making it harder to attract foreign investment. “We cannot overlook this big project this time,” he said.
