In a resolute address during today’s plenary session, Senator Lola Ashiru, representing Kwara South district, delivered a passionate plea for the swift revival and completion of the long-dormant Abuja Centenary Economic City project.
The initiative, conceived in 2014 to commemorate Nigeria’s centenary celebration, has languished in a state of inertia for nearly a decade, failing to materialize its ambitious vision.
Senator Ashiru underscored the project’s original vision as a potential economic juggernaut, poised to generate over 150,000 construction jobs, 250,000 permanent employment opportunities, and accommodate more than 200,000 residents, among other transformative objectives.
With an initial estimated investment of $18.5 billion, equivalent to Nigeria’s current national budget, the project holds immense promise for national development and economic prosperity.
Drawing parallels with successful endeavors like the $6 billion Eko Atlantic City development in Lagos, Senator Ashiru emphasized the stark contrast in progress between the two projects.
While Eko Atlantic City has witnessed significant milestones including land reclamation, residential towers, and critical infrastructure, the Abuja Centenary City project has faltered, with progress reportedly languishing below 7% according to an independent investigation assessment.
In advocating for immediate action, Senator Ashiru proposed the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee tasked with investigating the factors impeding the project’s completion.
The committee’s mandate would encompass a thorough review of the original public-private partnership agreement, with recommendations for necessary amendments to expedite progress.
Furthermore, Senator Ashiru called upon the Federal Government to prioritize the revival of the Abuja Centenary City project by providing essential support, resolving regulatory hurdles, and addressing any other impediments.
Such decisive measures, Senator Ashiru asserted, are indispensable to harnessing the project’s potential benefits, including job creation, foreign investment attraction, tourism promotion, and overall national development.
Senator Ashiru’s impassioned advocacy resonated strongly with fellow senators, eliciting widespread support for immediate action to breathe new life into the stalled Abuja Centenary City project.
As Nigeria charts its course toward economic advancement and inclusive growth, the revitalization of this flagship initiative stands poised to ignite progress and prosperity for the nation and its people.
