The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has officially renamed the Abuja International Conference Centre after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a move that has sparked both praise and debate across Nigeria’s political landscape.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during the unveiling of the newly rehabilitated facility—an event that coincided with celebrations marking President Tinubu’s second year in office.
According to Wike, the Abuja International Conference Centre, originally built in 1991 under military rule, had not undergone any rehabilitation since its completion. He described the structure’s condition before the facelift as dilapidated and unbefitting of Nigeria’s capital.
The minister stated that the decision to overhaul the facility aligned with the Tinubu administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, aimed at revitalizing national infrastructure.
“Mr. President gave us a matching order, and we delivered. Today, this facility reflects the image of a nation that leads Africa,” Wike said.
New Name, New Rules
While celebrating the reopening, Wike also introduced new policies for the centre’s use. He emphasized that all future users must now pay to access the facility, citing the need for long-term maintenance and sustainability.
“This is not politics. This is about national pride. Everyone using this facility must pay—no exceptions,” Wike added.
Tinubu Applauded for ‘Encouraging Bold Leadership’
Wike extended personal gratitude to President Tinubu for his support in pursuing the renovation despite criticism and distractions.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for encouraging us to go ahead and ignore the distractors. You have proven that leadership is about doing what is right, not what is easy.”
