Abuja is set to gain a major new leisure and tourism attraction as Akida Hills begins development of a landmark waterfront destination at Jabi Lake, scheduled to open in December 2026.

The project, located within the ongoing redevelopment of the Jabi Lake waterfront, will feature West Africa’s first dancing musical fountain alongside a range of dining, leisure, and water-based attractions designed to transform the area into a premier tourism and lifestyle hub.

Akida Hills, a Nigerian mixed-use real estate and destination development company, has been allocated a 3.36-hectare site within the approximately 14-hectare waterfront district. The development will be delivered in phases, combining recreation, entertainment, and public leisure experiences.

Speaking on the project, Akida Hills Founder, Kayode Bamisile, described Jabi Lake as a unique opportunity to create a world-class waterfront destination that will attract residents, visitors, and tourists throughout the year while driving economic growth and job creation.

The first phase, expected to be completed in December 2026, will introduce the destination’s initial attractions, including restaurants, leisure facilities, water activities, structured weekly events, a seasonal lights festival, and the dancing musical fountain, which will serve as the development’s signature feature.

Designed as a central landmark, the fountain will combine choreographed water displays, synchronised lighting, and music to create a unique evening attraction for visitors.

Upon completion, the project is expected to strengthen Abuja’s position as a leading leisure and tourism destination, while creating new opportunities for entertainment, community engagement, and economic activity. Additional attractions, programming, and commercial partnerships are expected to be announced as construction progresses.