A new gateway district for Nigeria’s capital is taking shape as Benoy unveils the City Walk masterplan in Abuja, a 250-hectare mixed-use development set to feature Africa’s tallest tower at 450m alongside the country’s largest indoor arena.
Located along Airport Road within a Free Trade Zone, the scheme is positioned at the point where Abuja first presents itself to international visitors, investors and businesses. Planned as a mixed-use development combining commercial, cultural and civic functions, City Walk is Benoy’s first project in Nigeria, drawing on experience in large-scale mixed-use projects.
The project, which is inspired by Dubai’s City Walk model, is being developed by MAG International Links under an agreement with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), which is overseeing its delivery. Phase One is currently underway and is aimed to be completed by May 2026.
A landmark gateway for Abuja
At the northern edge of the site, the masterplan establishes an active gateway anchored by the 450m tower and a 13,000-seat indoor arena. This arrival zone also incorporates a hub for food, art and nightlife.
From here, a strong north–south connector organises the development, guiding movement towards quieter residential neighbourhoods in the south. The plan transitions from higher-density uses in the north to lower-density residential areas in the south.
Designing for public life and inclusivity
Instead of relying on defensive barriers, the masterplan adopts a strategy of subtle, layered security intended to allow public access across the site. Streets, shaded walkways and public squares are designed as the primary spaces of urban life, prioritising pedestrian activity and public space.
As Neil Serridge, Design Director at Benoy, explains, the focus extends beyond landmark structures to the everyday experience of the city: the shaded streets, gathering spaces and social interactions that support everyday urban activity.
A ‘sponge city’ approach to climate resilience
A defining feature of City Walk is its integration of ecological infrastructure through what the designers describe as a ‘Sponge District’ strategy. At its core lies the Ravine, a green spine that structures the landscape while supporting biodiversity, stormwater management and wellbeing.
These ecological corridors double as recreational spaces, creating a network of parks and pedestrian routes that support environmental performance and public use. Climate-responsive design measures, including shading and natural ventilation, further aim to improve outdoor thermal comfort throughout the year.
Low-carbon mobility and connected districts
The masterplan prioritises a light mobility network comprising low-carbon shuttles, cycling routes and micromobility systems. This approach reduces reliance on private vehicles while seamlessly connecting residential, cultural and commercial zones.
A looped urban structure connects key destinations—from retail and leisure to offices and cultural venues—ensuring legibility across the development.
A mixed-use cultural and civic core
At the heart of Phase One is the Art District, delivering 12,000m2 (129,167ft2) of cultural space within a mixed-use setting that combines residences, retail and public realm. A gateway boulevard leads to an event piazza, extending into a retail and leisure plaza and an office district.
The first phase will deliver approximately 245,000m2 of built space across nearly 185,000m2 of land. This includes urban apartments, townhouses and garden residences, alongside a 15,000m2 hotel, 30,000m2 of office space, Fashion Avenue retail, and key social infrastructure such as a school, university campus and hospital.
A city designed for long-term living
Beyond its headline attractions, City Walk is conceived as a mixed-use urban environment designed to support residents across all stages of life. Educational, healthcare and recreational facilities are embedded within the masterplan, intended to support long-term residential use.
A river park along the southern edge provides landscaped paths and pedestrian routes along the Ravine, linking built areas with the landscape corridor.
Positioning Abuja on the global stage
According to Mahmood Ahmadu, Chairman of MAG International Links, the development is intended to position Abuja as a destination for global visitors, investors and professionals, reflecting Africa’s growing dynamism and ambition.
With its combination of landmark architecture, climate-responsive planning and human-centred design, City Walk marks a major new phase of development in Abuja—combining large-scale landmarks with street-level public space.
