Founder of Akida Hills, Kayode Bamisile, has described Jabi Lake as a tourism asset capable of contributing to economic growth and job creation.

With Nigeria’s unemployment rate estimated at 4.3 per cent, youth unemployment at about 6.5 per cent and underemployment around 9.2 per cent, the proposed development is expected to provide employment opportunities for young people through tourism, hospitality, entertainment and related services

As part of this vision, Abuja is set to welcome a landmark waterfront destination at Jabi Lake, with Akida Hills commencing the development of a major leisure and tourism hub designed to attract residents and visitors throughout the year.

Bamisile said: “Jabi Lake represents one of the most significant opportunities to create a world-class waterfront destination in Africa. Through this development, we aim to deliver experiences that attract residents, visitors, and tourists year-round while contributing to economic growth, job creation, and Nigeria’s tourism appeal. Our vision is to establish Jabi as a defining waterfront destination for the continent – one that demonstrates the transformative power of destination-led development and reimagines how people experience a city”.

Phase 1 of the development, scheduled for completion in December 2026, will introduce the destination’s first operational attractions, including dining and leisure experiences, water-based activities, structured weekly programming, a seasonal lights festival, and the dancing musical fountain as its signature attraction. Additional experiences and amenities will be introduced in subsequent phases as the destination evolves.

Designed as a central landmark within the waterfront experience, the dancing musical fountain will combine choreographed water displays, synchronised lighting, and music to create a distinctive evening attraction and focal point for visitor engagement.

Upon completion, the development is expected to serve as a major hub for tourism, recreation, entertainment, and community engagement, further strengthening Abuja’s position as a leading leisure and lifestyle destination.

Construction and implementation activities will progress in phases, with additional announcements on attractions, programming, and commercial partnerships expected ahead of the December 2026 launch.