Abuja Smart City Dream Advances as Centenary Project Records 35% Progress on Key Infrastructure

By Chimezie Godfrey

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‎The Centenary City project in Abuja has recorded a major milestone, with contractors achieving 35 per cent completion on its first major infrastructure component—a 4.3-kilometre access road.

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‎Managing Director of Centenary City, Dr Ike Odenigwe, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement and project inspection, noting that the development signals renewed momentum for the long-delayed initiative.

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‎According to him, the project developers engaged Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for infrastructure delivery and Dar Al-Handasah for engineering design in August 2025.

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‎Odenigwe said the city was conceived as Abuja’s foremost urban renewal project, aimed at attracting global investment and offering a modern lifestyle.

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‎“Every road we pave and every job we create is a step toward a livable, safe and modern community,” he said.

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‎He commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for supporting sustainable development policies that facilitated the project’s revival.

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‎Julius Berger’s representative, Engr Johnny Kauchan, explained that the infrastructure goes beyond road construction to include integrated utilities.

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‎ “We are delivering not just roads but comprehensive infrastructure—wastewater systems, stormwater drainage, power, telecoms and water supply,” he said.

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‎He added that construction began in November 2025 and is expected to be completed by April 2027.

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‎Meanwhile, members of host communities welcomed the project but demanded more benefits. Ayuba Ishiaya, a community representative, called for improved social investments.

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‎“Centenary has come to stay, but we appeal for continuous support—scholarships, water supply and employment opportunities for our youths,” he said.

‎In his remarks, Prof Oke Ikechukwu said the project originated as part of Nigeria’s centenary legacy and has undergone extensive consultations and compensation processes.

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‎“Centenary City is one of the few projects without compensation disputes. Everybody was compensated,” he said.

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‎He attributed earlier delays to political and regulatory challenges but praised Wike for removing obstacles.

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‎The Emir of Jiwa, HRM Dr Idris Musa, also commended the developers and urged communities to sustain cooperation.

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‎The event drew participation from traditional rulers, youth groups and other stakeholders.

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