City Walk, Abuja
Abuja, Nigeria
A Free Trade Zone masterplan for Nigeria’s capital
Service
Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture
Client
MAG Group Limited
Size
2.2 million m2
Challenge
City Walk is a 250-hectare mixed-use masterplan on Airport Road, Abuja, Benoy’s first project in Nigeria and a development of continental significance. The masterplan establishes a new Free Trade Zone at the point where the capital first presents itself to international visitors, investors and businesses, integrating trade, civic, cultural and residential life within a single urban framework. Two continental records define its identity: Africa’s tallest tower at 450 metres, and Nigeria’s largest indoor arena with a 13,000-seat capacity.
Solution
At the heart of Phase One — which will deliver 245,000 m² of built space — is the Art District, 12,000 m² of cultural space within a mixed-use block of residences, retail and public realm, connected via a gateway boulevard to an event piazza and retail and leisure plaza. Phase One also encompasses urban apartments, townhouses and garden apartments alongside the arena, a 15,000 m² hotel, 30,000 m² of offices, Fashion Avenue retail, a school, university campus and hospital, a range of uses designed to serve residents across every stage of life.
A natural ravine spine as the ecological backbone
An existing river ravine structures Abuja City Walk, forming the ecological backbone of the 220-hectare masterplan. From this framework, a phased development emerges: a retail canal walk, knowledge parks, residential garden terraces and a meandering walkable boulevard, offering a new model for sustainable urban growth rooted in Abuja’s climate. Located between Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and the CBD, the district is strategically positioned to shape the future of Nigeria’s capital.
Sponge City approach
Passive landscape strategies shape a public realm designed for year-round comfort, working with Abuja’s distinct wet and dry seasons. A network of interconnected linear parks and ecological corridors form the open space framework. The Sponge City approach uses these corridors as ecological and recreational assets, managing stormwater through wetlands, bioswales and permeable surfaces within the urban fabric.
Result
The masterplan is organised around a strong north – south connector, from the active northern gateway on Airport Road, home to the arena, tower, and a hub for food, art and nightlife, to the quieter southern edge, where the city transitions gradually into intimate residential compounds and landscaped gardens. The Ravine forms the green spine of the scheme, structuring landscape, ecology, stormwater management and wellbeing throughout. A light mobility network of low-carbon shuttles, bikes and micromobility systems connects the residential, cultural and commercial districts, reducing car dependency across the site.
