FG to quote Centenary City on London, Nigeria stock exchanges

The Federal Government has disclosed that the stock of the Centenary City being designed as one of the numerous activities marking the nation’s 100 years of amalgamation will be quoted on the Nigeria and London Stock Exchanges.

The project which has been described as Nigeria’s financial hub, is expected to be completed in the next three years.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, made the disclosure Thursday night, at a dinner President Goodluck Jonathan had with top Nigerian Chief Executive Officers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as part of activities marking the nation’s centenary.

“It is the desire of the promoters of the city that in the nearest future, the stock of the city would be quoted on the Nigeria and London Stock Exchanges,” the SGF said.

Anyim said while efforts were being made to commission the production of the city’s final master plan, Price Waterhouse Coopers had been appointed financial consultants, adding that during the flag off ceremony , Messrs DDB, Lagos was appointed the official marketer of the centenary activities.

He said the engagement of the Price Waterhouse Coopers and Starting Partners was intended not only to guarantee transparency at every stage of the city development but also to ensure international best practice.

“The entire celebration is planned to be investment driven such that nobody should put in a kobo without getting value for it,” he said.

President Jonathan in his remarks said his administration had a lot of faith in private sector partnership.

He explained that this was responsible for the government decision that all aspects of the centenary celebration should be private sector-driven.

Apart from the Centenary City which he said would provide all the facilities that Nigerians travel out of the country to go an enjoy abroad,  unity squares would also arise in all state capitals to add to their beauty.

Jonathan said that the city was designed to be a national asset that will be one  of the best in the world, assuring  would be a profitable venture for the private sector to have investment or equity in the city.

“The private sector should take the lead in realising this our national aspiration. Your support will identify you and your brand with national success.  We are encouraging a citizen driven commemorative event that will replace negative narrative of the nation with a story of a blessed nation,” he said.