President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday formally reopened the refurbished Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC), introducing a significant policy change. He directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to henceforth incur costs for utilizing the facility, a measure aimed at ensuring its consistent upkeep and guaranteeing long-term sustainability.
During the reopening ceremony, Barrister Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, revealed that the Centre has been officially renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre. This announcement was confirmed in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesperson.
President Tinubu reflected on the Centre’s previous dilapidated condition, recalling his dismay during a 2024 ECOWAS Parliament conference. He vividly described the environment then as “dirty, disorganised, and uninhabitable,” highlighting the dramatic transformation achieved through the renovation efforts.
“I turned to Mr Wike and said, ‘This Conference Centre does not reflect who we are. Have we sunk this low?’ He replied, ‘No, bear with us. We will do whatever we can to transform the place.’ Today, I am very happy.
“The International Conference Centre is part of our country’s larger vision to become a hub for regional diplomacy, continental trade discussions, global partnerships, and other thoughtful, well-outlined goals that reflect our ‘Nigeria First’ principle,” Tinubu said.
He praised Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, the original contractor, for delivering a high-quality renovation, adding that the quality reflects what Julius Berger has been known for in the country for years.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Tinubu further assured Nigerians of his administration’s determination to revitalise infrastructure across key sectors, including transportation, healthcare, education, energy, and urban development.
He commended Wike for completing the renovation within one year of the Centre’s closure.
Applauding Wike for his vision and execution, Tinubu said: “Do not pay attention to the busybodies and bystanders. Whatever they say, continue your good work. You are a transformational leader with foresight, vision and determination.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the FCT Administration for naming halls at the Centre after the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
He lauded the collaborative spirit between the executive, legislature, and judiciary under President Tinubu’s leadership.
Wike said the FCT transformed the facility within eight months after the President’s directive.
“Mr President, this transformation would not have been possible without your leadership. Many presidents have come here, but none said this was not what Nigeria needed because they lacked your courage and vision,” he said.
Wike stressed the need for financial discipline in maintaining the newly upgraded facility.
“Whether you are a ministry or an agency, you must pay something to use this facility. That is the only way we can sustain it. No such thing as ‘my brother’ or ‘my sister’ wants to use it for a wedding. If you want to use a beautiful place like this, you must pay something,” he said.
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre is among several capital projects scheduled for commissioning by President Tinubu in the FCT as part of activities marking his second anniversary in office.
The FCT Administration is implementing the projects under Wike’s leadership.
