The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday justified the ₦39 billion renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, describing the project as essential and far-reaching.
Speaking at the commissioning of the newly completed Left-Hand Service Carriageway, Wike explained that everything within the conference centre had been replaced during the renovation, with the sole exception of the building’s structural blockwork.
Wike noted that although the ICC was originally constructed for ₦240 million in 1991 during the military regime of former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, inflation and rising commodity prices justified the ₦39 billion expenditure in 2025.
On Tuesday, 10 June 2025, President Bola Tinubu officially inaugurated the refurbished centre, which Wike subsequently renamed the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
However, the renaming and cost sparked criticism from some opposition figures, including former federal lawmaker Shehu Sani. Critics argued that the centre ought to have been named after Babangida, under whose regime it was built. Others expressed concern that the ₦39 billion cost was excessive.
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In a direct response to his critics, Wike declared: “The only thing in that International Conference Centre that was not changed was the block work. Everything in that Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre was changed.”
He went further to censure those questioning the budget, stating: “Those criticising the amount of money spent on the rehabilitation of the International Conference Centre don’t have good taste.”
Wike also defended the choice of naming, stating: “They said we did not name the International Conference Centre after someone who built it. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was not built by Nnamdi Azikiwe. Moshood Abiola International Stadium was not built by Moshood Abiola.”
On the cost comparison, Wike asked: “What was the exchange rate in 1991? Compare the exchange rate to what we have in 2025.”
He further maintained that the quality of the work justified the cost: “We have taste, we want the best for the country, and the president has given the best for the country.”
Reaffirming his loyalty to President Tinubu, Wike said: “If you did not do well to defend your boss when you had the opportunity, it is your business. I am here, and I will defend my boss. I have done it and I have no regret at all.”
