By Chimezie Godfrey
The Managing Director of Centenary City, Dr. Odenigwe Ike Michaels, has declared that the ambitious Centenary City project is back on track with a renewed determination to transform Abuja into one of Africa’s most competitive smart urban destinations, positioning Nigeria as a strategic investment hub on the global map.
Speaking during an extensive investors’ engagement session in Abuja, Michaels described Centenary City as a revolutionary 15-minute smart city designed to combine luxury living, commerce, tourism, technology, sustainability and economic productivity within a single integrated urban ecosystem.
He said the project, conceptualised as Abuja’s foremost urban renewal initiative, spans about 1,300 hectares with over 1,000 hectares earmarked for active development, stressing that the city was intentionally designed to rival some of the world’s most iconic mixed-use urban centres.
“Centenary City is not just another real estate project; it is a national economic vision designed to redefine how Nigerians live, work, invest and interact,” Michaels declared.
He explained that the project is backed by a consortium of over 40 local and international investors under Centenary City Plc, with the Federal Government participating through Abuja Investment Company Limited.
According to him, the city was master-planned by globally renowned developer Sheikh Mohammed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar, while Eagle Hills International emerged as the pioneer strategic partner.
He added that the project enjoys Free Zone status, creating opportunities for international businesses, investors and manufacturers to operate under globally competitive conditions.
Michaels said the development model focuses heavily on sustainability, connectivity and economic resilience, stressing that the era of isolated residential districts and inefficient urban expansion was gradually becoming obsolete.
“The future belongs to integrated mixed-use developments like Centenary City where people can live, work, shop, relax and access essential services within minutes,” he said.
The MD further noted that the city would host world-class infrastructure including five-star hotels, luxury residences, an International Commerce Centre, an International Convention Centre, Mall of Africa, golf estates, polo estates, safari parks, industrial parks and healthcare institutions.
He stressed that the project aligns with the vision of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, whom he praised for promoting structured and sustainable urban growth within Abuja.
“We are grateful for the visionary leadership of the FCT Minister whose commitment to infrastructure and master-planned development has strengthened investor confidence,” Michaels stated.
Speaking further, he disclosed that Centenary City had strengthened partnerships with Julius Berger and global engineering consultants, Dar Al-Handasah, to accelerate critical infrastructure delivery across the city.
He said the ongoing infrastructure works represent a major milestone capable of unlocking large-scale economic opportunities, job creation and international investment inflows into the FCT.
“Anything of good value and glory takes time. We are building a city that future generations will be proud of,” he added.
Also speaking, representative of Julius Berger, Johnny Houchan, disclosed that major infrastructure construction within the city had already attained 47 per cent completion within six months.
He explained that the road infrastructure includes a four-lane carriageway stretching 4.3 kilometres with underground wastewater systems, stormwater drainage, power conduits and telecommunications networks.
“The contract was signed in August last year and by now we have already reached 47 per cent completion. We are confident the project will be delivered ahead of schedule,” Houchan said.
On investment opportunities, Director of Sales at Centenary City, Mr Kenneth Njoku, urged investors to take advantage of what he described as a rare “First Movers Advantage.”
Njoku compared Centenary City’s current development phase to the early days of Banana Island in Lagos and Maitama in Abuja, arguing that visionary investors who move early often become the biggest beneficiaries of future value appreciation.
“By the time everybody sees the opportunity, the biggest profit margins are already gone,” he warned.
He announced major incentives for investors including zero premium joint venture arrangements, 40 per cent outright land purchase discounts and flexible payment structures designed to encourage rapid development.
“This is not just another land transaction. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to become part of a future-focused, legacy-driven smart city,” Njoku stated.
Centenary City Unveils Bold New Drive to Make Abuja Africa’s Leading Smart Urban Destination
