“…after a pause in the 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.“

The long-delayed Abuja Centenary City Project has gathered new momentum after Julius Berger Nigeria Plc was awarded the contract to deliver primary infrastructure for the multi-billion-naira development.

Project managers confirmed that Julius Berger will handle Phase 1 works valued at ₦750 billion, beginning with a 4.3km Plot Access Road and secondary infrastructure for The Grove Residences, Safari Park Residences, and The Ridge Villas. Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (DAR), the project’s original master planners, have also been retained to provide detailed engineering design.

Conceived as Abuja’s foremost urban renewal project, Centenary City is envisioned as a cosmopolitan smart city combining a modern downtown skyline with peaceful suburban living. It aims to attract international investors, serve as a residential haven, and function as a tourism hub.

Planned facilities include five-star hotels, serviced apartments, the International Commerce Centre (ICC), the Centenary International Convention Center (CICC), the Mall of Africa, golf and polo estates, Nigeria Park, Safari Park, an Industrial Park, African Arts Museum, entertainment district, amusement park, healthcare and educational facilities, and extensive residential communities.

Officials say the revival of the project represents a step toward redefining sub-Saharan Africa’s skyline and strengthening Nigeria’s global standing in urban development.

They explained that the project, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), had suffered delays due to policy shifts and continuity issues but has regained traction under the current administration. They credited the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, for providing “visionary leadership,” while also acknowledging the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, for championing sustainable urban renewal.

“The project is for Nigerians, conceived to celebrate national unity between North and South,” officials stressed, adding that the federal government holds a 5 percent equity stake through the provision of land.

“We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Julius Berger and DAR,” the Centenary City Board noted, pledging to deliver safe, sustainable, and state-of-the-art smart city solutions within the Centenary Economic City Free Zone.

The management has invited the public to watch for “strategic progress” in the long-awaited project.

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FCTA receives four 50-seater hybrid buses from PCNGi

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken delivery of four super 50-seater hybrid buses powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel fuel, donated by the Presidential CNG Initiative, to help boost public transportation in the territory.

It would be recalled that the PCNG Initiative is a flagship programme of the Federal Government of Nigeria, launched in 2023, to promote the widespread adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles, especially in mass transit systems, driving cost savings, job creation, energy security, and an environmentally friendly transport system.

Receiving the keys for the high-capacity buses on Thursday, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Transport Secretariat, Chinedu Elechi, described the gesture as a welcome development, as it would complement the ongoing repositioning of the public transport architecture in the FCT.

Elechi, who received the donation on behalf of the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, noted that the buses would be moving over 200 people efficiently, thereby improving the daily mass transit of commuters across the territory.

According to him, the FCT Minister has always maintained that no modern city can survive without a robust public transportation system.

“So, public transportation is meant to move people from one point to the other, especially those who cannot afford private transportation, or those who can afford private transportation but opt to go on the public system. Because when tourists come in, they do not come with their private transportation. So tourism also depends on a robust public transportation system.

“This is why the Honourable Minister (Wike) has built roads, bridges, and is now building bus terminals. We have just commissioned two of the modern bus terminals at Mabushi and Kugbo.

“These buses, as good as they look, will be very helpful. We are going to get more buses; the minister is already working on that and we thank you so very much for this. They look very nice. I am sure both those who have private transportation and those who do not would enjoy the ride.

“So, on behalf of the Honourable Minister and the FCTA, we want to thank you and say that you should extend our gratitude to Mr President, whose initiative this is, and to you too for your hard work,” he stated.

Earlier, while making the donation, the Programme Director/Chief Executive of the Presidential CNG Initiative, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, said the donation was part of its effort to make CNG a reality for efficient public transportation.

He said the FCT, having demonstrated great support for the programme and shown great innovation by investing not just in roads but also in terminals under the leadership of the FCT Minister, deserved to be a major beneficiary of the initiative.

He expressed hope that the delivery of the buses would serve as a foundational asset for the operation of the new terminals and a robust transportation system in the FCT.

He explained: “This is a presidential initiative. Mr President wants to see Nigerians move around more cheaply, safely, and reliably. On behalf of Mr President, on behalf of the board of the PCNGI and its management and staff, I hand over these four CNG hybrid buses to the service of humanity and for the employment of the people of the FCT.

“You are receiving four because you are one of our biggest supporters and also because, through you, we know more people, as you are in the business of direct transportation in the FCT. We see your terminals, we see your roads.

“We have identified potential onward beneficiaries of these buses to ensure that they get to the people of Nigeria and deliver the promise of Mr President.

“I want to say that we look forward to your (FCTA) continued partnership. We just left the FRSC,and they informed us that they will be launching new plate number formats for both CNG and EV vehicles in Sept

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MAG International Links Ltd, a private investor, for the development of City Walk Abuja.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said during the ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, that the project would be a replica of City Walk Dubai. He said that Abuja City Walk would be developed in the area earlier designated for Abuja Technology Village, located along Airport Road, but had remained undeveloped for the past 20 years.

The project, which would cover about 200 hectares, was inspired by the City Walk concept in Dubai.

It will bring together a thoughtfully curated mix of residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, institutional, and healthcare facilities.

Wike said that the MoU was to ensure that the company delivers the project based on agreed work plans and timelines.

Retired Nigerian police officers staged a peaceful protest in Abuja on Monday morning, demanding the immediate payment of their outstanding entitlements.

Chanting “Tinubu, pay police!”, the retirees marched from the Police Headquarters to the National Assembly complex, brandishing banners and placards that highlighted their grievances.

Many expressed frustration over prolonged delays in receiving pensions and gratuities, despite years of dedicated service to the nation.

The demonstration drew public attention as prominent activist Omoyele Sowore and popular Hausa skit maker Bello Dangallanci joined the march in solidarity.

They called on President Bola Tinubu and relevant government agencies to take swift action to resolve the long-standing issue.

“We cannot continue to treat those who served this country with such neglect,” Sowore said during the protest. “Justice for retired officers is justice for all civil servants.”

The retired officers called on the National Assembly to intervene and ensure prompt disbursement of their entitlements. No government representative had addressed the protesters at the time of this report.

This protest adds to the growing concerns about the treatment of retirees in Nigeria, especially within the public service sector.

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The National Hospital Abuja has appealed to the public for assistance in identifying a female patient who was brought to its Trauma ICU.

According to a statement issued by the hospital on Friday, July 11, 2025, the woman was found unconscious along Kubwa–Deidei Road.

The hospital urged anyone who recognizes her or has any useful information about her family to come forward immediately.

“A woman was found unconscious along Kubwa–Deidei Road around 10:30 PM on July 8th, 2025, and was rushed to the Trauma Centre at National Hospital, Abuja,” the statement.

“She is currently receiving treatment, but her identity remains unknown. Location: Trauma Centre, National Hospital, Abuja.

“Date Found: 8th July, 2025. Found at: Kubwa–Deidei Road, Abuja. Time: Around 10:30 PM. Contact: 0903 009 7889.

“If you recognize her or have any information, please come forward immediately. Share widely to help reunite her with her loved ones. Thank you.”