Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and Citiscape Property Limited have commenced the construction of an ultra-modem shopping centre which is expected to transform the business space of Abuja.
The 10 hectares of land on which the project would be built is owned by ACCI, while Citiscape Properties Limited is the development partner. The project would be completed in 24 months, according to the management of the property firm.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the project yesterday, ACCI president Dr. Al-Mujtaba Abubakar said the project will comprise premium shops, general retail shops, warehouses, cold rooms, stalls, and cafés and restaurants.
Abubakar said it will be implemented as a private partnership development initiative between ACCI and Cityscape “to enhance the socio-economic activities of the city, provide a platform for year-round products for the implementation of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) where other Africans can visit to transact and buy Nigerian products,” and meet the demand challenges of decent shopping environment for the teaming cosmopolitan population of Abuja and its environs
He believes the project will accomplish the chamber’s goal of enhancing and sustaining development of businesses in the Federal Capital Territory and lead the private sector in the delivery of sustainable growth and prosperity in commercial activities and businesses in Nigeria.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Otunba Niyi Adebayo said the project is timely as it will boost economic growth and development in Nigeria, adding that the “shopping centre will complement the government’s efforts in boosting Nigeria’s image.”
The ultra-modern market is expected to be a hub for all kinds of businesses, and a platform for business networking, in line with AfCFTA agenda.
The minister who was represented at the event by a director in the ministry, Suleiman Adebayo Audu said, “This is why we need to continue to strengthen collaborations between the Government and the private sector for sustainable growth and development.”
Also, minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Muhammad Bello said the shopping center is a testament to federal government’s commitment to driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities for its people.
Managing director of Citiscape Alh. Garba Ahmed assured of the company’s readiness to deliver the project within the scheduled period.
According to Ahmed, other facilities will include an asphaltic dual carriageway entrance road, parking lots, an administrative block, banking facilities, creche, clinic, mosque, a chapel, a police post, a fire station, security surveillance cameras, waste management points, and a control room.
