The Managing Director of Centenary City Plc, Ike Odenigwe, says significant progress has been recorded on the 4.3 kilometre access road project within the Centenary City development in Abuja.

Mr Odenigwe disclosed this on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting organised to showcase progress on the first road project and highlight support received from partners and host communities.

He said construction had commenced in earnest, adding that stakeholders were physically present on the road, demonstrating visible progress and the company’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure within the development.

Mr Odenigwe commended the host communities for their cooperation, noting that the project spanned five communities which remained supportive, enabling smooth execution of construction activities without disruptions or conflicts.

According to him, the company maintained strong relationships with the communities, ensuring seamless engagement, mutual understanding, and sustained support throughout the implementation of the infrastructure development project.

He added that Centenary City Plc prioritised social responsibility by offering scholarships and creating employment opportunities for youths from host communities to ensure inclusive participation and shared development benefits.

He said, “Our goal is to ensure that people from these communities benefit directly through employment opportunities and educational support initiatives that will improve livelihoods and foster long-term socio-economic development.”

Mr Odenigwe explained that Centenary City was conceived as a sustainable urban development designed to enhance Abuja’s capacity as a modern city with world-class infrastructure and strong investment potential.

He emphasised that the project would complement growth in the Federal Capital Territory by attracting investors and delivering modern infrastructure capable of supporting economic expansion and improved urban living standards.

Mr Odenigwe acknowledged support from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and regulatory backing from the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, which he said strengthened project implementation.

He also commended the host community leadership under the Emir of Jiwa, Idris Musa, for sustained cooperation and constructive engagement that had contributed to the smooth progress of the development project.

Mr Odenigwe said the 4.3-kilometre road marked the beginning of a broader infrastructure rollout, with a planned primary road network spanning about 95 kilometres within the Centenary City master plan.

He added that the development would integrate smart city concepts and modern technology to deliver a sustainable, efficient, and globally competitive urban environment aligned with international best practices.

Also speaking, a representative of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Jonnie Kouchan, said the partnership with Centenary City Plc was driven by collaboration and a shared vision for quality infrastructure delivery.

Mr Kouchan explained that while Centenary City provided the project concept and development framework, Julius Berger contributed engineering expertise and technical capacity required for effective project execution.

He said the 4.3-kilometre four-lane carriageway, including supporting infrastructure, was about 35 per cent completed, reflecting steady construction progress since the commencement of work in November 2025.

According to him, the project is expected to be completed by April 2027, with strict adherence to international engineering standards and safety practices guiding all aspects of construction and delivery.

Mr Kouchan added that the project would boost investor confidence, contribute to infrastructure development, and stimulate economic growth within Abuja and surrounding communities through improved connectivity and accessibility.

In his remarks, Mr Musa commended the company’s efforts but called for sustained collaboration and deeper engagement with host communities to address emerging concerns and expectations.

Mr Musa urged Centenary City to liaise with the Federal Capital Territory Administration to ensure full compensation and proper resettlement arrangements for affected communities within the project development area.

Also speaking, liaison officer of Jiwa Chiefdom and a scholarship beneficiary, Ayuba Ishaya, urged the company to sustain its scholarship programme to support educational advancement among youths in the communities.

He underscored challenges such as lack of potable water due to resettlement, calling on the company to address the issue.

He also called for employment opportunities for qualified youths in host communities.

Stakeholders said the Centenary City project represented a significant step towards transforming Abuja into a modern, investment-friendly, and sustainable city capable of supporting long-term economic growth and urban development.

(NAN)