Michael Odenigwe, Managing Director of Centenary City Plc, has announced that the ongoing 4.3-kilometre access road within the Centenary City project in Abuja has reached 35 per cent completion, marking a significant milestone in the development of the proposed smart city.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement and project update in Abuja on Tuesday, Odenigwe said the event was organised to showcase tangible progress on the long-awaited development, noting that construction work is already visible on-site.
‘We are here today to showcase the fact that the road has actually begun, and at this venue, we are sitting on the road,’ he said. The road project, being executed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is part of a broader N750 billion infrastructure development plan designed to transform Centenary City into a modern, sustainable urban hub.
Odenigwe highlighted the critical role played by host communities, particularly the Toge community in Jiwa, in supporting the project. He commended traditional leaders and residents for their cooperation, noting that their support has ensured a smooth construction process.
‘We have five communities within Centenary City, but I can say we have the best relationship with the Toge community. They have given us maximum cooperation,’ he said. According to him, the company has prioritised community engagement through scholarships, compensation for affected farmlands, and a commitment to employ local youth as part of its social responsibility efforts.’We must employ the youth of our original communities. It is one of our top priorities,’ he added.
Odenigwe also positioned Centenary City as a strategic response to Abuja’s rapid population growth, which he said has exceeded its original design capacity.’Abuja was designed for about three to four million residents, but today it has grown far beyond that. What we are building is a second city, a modern, sustainable city that will complement Abuja and attract international investment,’ he said.
The project is designed as a green, technology-driven city, incorporating artificial intelligence and modern infrastructure systems to deliver a higher standard of urban living. Providing details of the project, Jonnie Kouchan, a representative of Julius Berger, said that it features a dual-carriageway with four lanes, a 20-metre right-of-way, wastewater and stormwater systems, power and telecommunications conduits, walkways, and culverts.
He said that the contract, valued at N25.2 billion, was signed in August 2025, with construction commencing in November of the same year and a projected completion date of April 2027. Kouchan expressed optimism that the project could be delivered ahead of schedule, adding that plans are underway to expand road construction by 10-15 kilometres after the rainy season, as part of the city’s 95-kilometre primary road network.
’12 m Carriageway of 2 directions set up of 4 lanes with a ROW of 20 m, 4.3 km length, including all types of road utilities, 3.0 km wastewater lines, 4.0 km of storm water pipes of various diameters, and 12.0 km of conduits for power supply, telecommunication and water supply.
In addition, we have a 2 m walkway and 2m verge from each side of the road,’ he said. Julius Berger reaffirmed their commitment to delivering the project in line with international standards, emphasising quality control, safety, and efficient project execution.
Also speaking, Ayuba Ishaya, a liaison officer of the Jiwa Chiefdom, acknowledged the efforts of the developers but called for more consistent support for host communities, particularly in the areas of scholarships, water supply, and employment opportunities for local youth.’
As Centenary City is developing, let the affected communities also develop,’ he said, urging the management to expand its social investment initiatives.