Nigeria’s Federal government has renewed calls for more investors to explore opportunities in the $18.5 billion Centenary City project.

The government issued this call through the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa. The minister disclosed this while receiving a high-level delegation from Centenary City Plc. The delegation was led by its Vice Chairman and former secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim.

Initiated during the early years of Nigeria’s former president, President Goodluck Jonathan, the project has experienced major setbacks. It was unveiled in 2014 as a legacy to celebrate Nigeria’s 100th anniversary. However, the project has stalled over the years, prompting the Senate in 2024 to look into the matter.

The house set up a seven-member ad-hoc committee that was tasked with investigating the factors hindering its completion. Once completed, the project is expected to be significant in achieving the housing ambitions that the government has set.

The Scope of Implementation on the Centenary City Project

The Centenary City project is designed as a master-planned development located in the capital of Abuja. Moreover, the project aims to create a smart city and also attract global investors to the country. It also aims to position Nigeria as a prime destination for business and development. Dangiwa noted that the concept of the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope City Agenda. Furthermore, he noted that it reflects an inclusive city with various living options and facilities such as sports and medical tourism, among others.

“This government prioritizes ensuring that affordable houses are provided to Nigerians while also creating an enabling environment for public-private partnerships to flourish,” he added. Expected to be implemented as a mixed-use smart city, the project is being developed by a joint venture of two companies. One of these is UAE-base Front Range Developers and Centenary City Plc. Despite the design and contractors being in place, the project has faced several shortcomings. Once it was launched, allegations of underhand dealings emerged, hindering its progress and completion to date. Nonetheless, the government is committed to ensuring everything is back on track, and the project is implemented.