After 10-year stall, Centenary City roars back as estates, roads rise in Abuja

After nearly a decade of abandonment, Centenary City is coming alive. Estate buildings are rising, roadworks have begun, and landscaping is underway at the Abuja mega-project first inaugurated in 2014 to mark Nigeria’s centenary.

The city stalled under former President Muhammadu Buhari but was revived in 2025. Work intensified after Centenary City Plc, on August 15, 2025, signed Julius Berger Nigeria PLC to deliver the first 4.3km Plot Access Road and Dar Al-Handasah Consultants to handle detailed engineering design for the entire master plan.

“We want Nigerians to see this project through the eyes of the people bringing it to life,” said Dr. Odenigwe Ike Michaels Jr., Managing Director of Centenary City PLC, during a site event. He described the gathering as a chance “to showcase the dramatic progress in this long-awaited amazing project” and to acknowledge community support that endured through years of inactivity.

Conceived as Abuja’s flagship urban renewal project, Centenary City is planned as a pedestrian-centric, sustainability-focused smart city. “Every road we pave, every foundation we set, and every job we create is a step toward a livable, safe, modern community for families, professionals, and businesses,” Dr. Odenigwe said.

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He credited FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for “his wisdom in encouraging masterly and sustainable development” in the capital.

He also thanked the Toge community and the Emir of Jiwa, HRM Dr. Idris Musa, MFR, on whose ancestral land the first phase is taking off.

For years, the delay bred confusion. “When the lands were acquired for the project and abandoned, we were confused. We could not go to the land or farm on it and kept on wondering,” HRM Dr. Musa said.

He expressed relief that construction has finally started.

Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, who has tracked the project, said relations between developers and original landowners are now “in harmony” after compensation was paid.

He added that the firms are hiring locals and offering scholarships.

Julius Berger’s Engr. Johnny Kouchan said the contract with Centenary City PLC is “built on a strong collaboration aimed at delivering world-class infrastructure within Nigeria’s flagship smart city.”

He disclosed that 35 per cent of the 4.3km road contract is complete, with full delivery and inauguration slated for April 1, 2027.

Centenary City was first commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014 as part of Nigeria’s centenary celebrations. Development stalled soon after.

The current push positions the city as a mixed-use hub for residents and tourism, designed “to work in harmony with nature” while raising Abuja’s profile for international investment, Dr. Odenigwe said.