AIBEN PROPERTIES LAUNCHES MAJOR NEW SHOPPING AND LEISURE DESTINATION IN ABUJA

Foremost Real Estate firm, AIBEN Investment and Properties Limited has officially opened CitiMall, a expansive new commercial complex in the Lugbe, Airport road area of Abuja. The multi-billion naira development is presented as a significant private investment intended to stimulate the local economy and serve as a comprehensive center for retail, business, and hospitality.

During the inauguration event, the Chief Executive Officer of AIBEN Properties, Chief Dr. Andy Elerewe, directly addressed the government, calling for a greater focus on public infrastructure. He stated that such improvements are crucial for attracting further private capital into the nation’s real estate and commercial industries. Elerewe highlighted the considerable challenges developers face when they are forced to independently provide essential services normally supplied by municipal authorities.

“The infrastructure to support ventures of this scale is not fully available, making the process exceptionally difficult,” Elerewe remarked. “However, we must also find ways to support the government, which is seriously overwhelmed. With the proper infrastructure in place, investments of this nature can flourish, generating employment and alleviating pressure on central urban areas.”

The newly opened complex offers a wide array of amenities, including more than 60 retail stores, high-end office accommodations, diverse restaurants, and the Bourdillon Hotel, which features 60 fully furnished suites. Elerewe explained that the core vision for CitiMall is to elevate the standard of living for area residents by consolidating essential services into a single, convenient location, thereby saving the community both time and money.

He also encouraged other investors to consider the potential of developing satellite towns with expanding populations, rather than concentrating solely on Abuja’s crowded city center. Furthermore, Elerewe advised young Nigerians to cultivate patience and dedication, cautioning against the pursuit of instant wealth. “This get-rich-quick mentality is counterproductive. Success requires time and persistent effort,” he added.

The occasion was chaired by Emmanuel Ekon, a former member of the House of Representatives, who echoed the call for enhanced public works. Ekon, representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, drew from his international experience to advocate for the responsible use of tax revenue. He argued that taxes should directly fund the infrastructure that enables business growth.

“I encourage our governments to provide the essential infrastructure that allows enterprises like this to succeed,” Ekon stated. “Taxation is not a penalty; it is an investment. My advice to the government is to utilize these funds to improve the lives of Nigerians by creating an environment where young entrepreneurs can thrive and accomplish what Andy has achieved here, or even more.”