At a media briefing in Abuja, the Managing Director of Centenary City Free Zone Enterprises, Dr. Odenigwe Ike Michaels Jr., disclosed that the infrastructure will be executed in lots, beginning with Lot 1, which covers the 4.3-kilometre Plot Access Road and secondary infrastructure for The Grove Residences, The Safari Park Residences, and The Ridge Villas.
He added that Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (DAR), the international firm responsible for the city’s original master plan, has been retained to handle the detailed engineering design.
“After a pause in development and construction, the project is now back on track with the promise to redefine sub-Saharan Africa’s skyline and enhance Nigeria’s global standing in urban development,” Michaels said.
Describing the Centenary City as Abuja’s foremost urban renewal initiative, Michaels highlighted its potential to attract international investment and boost the capital’s profile. The project, he said, is designed to integrate modern infrastructure with natural landscapes, offering both a vibrant downtown and serene suburban living.
The master plan envisions a multifunctional smart city featuring five-star hotels, luxury serviced apartments, an international commerce centre, a convention centre, and the Mall of Africa. Other planned facilities include a championship golf course, polo grounds, Nigeria Park, Safari Park, an industrial hub, an African arts museum, entertainment zones, amusement parks, as well as advanced healthcare and educational institutions.
Acknowledging government support for the project’s revival, the management commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, for backing sustainable urban renewal initiatives in Abuja.
“We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Julius Berger and DAR, and are committed to delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure and sustainable smart city solutions,” Michaels added.
Estimated at $18 billion, Centenary City is a private sector-driven development modeled after Dubai, Monaco, and Singapore. Once completed, it is expected to position Abuja as a premier global destination for investment, tourism, and modern urban living.
