The newly renovated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja has generated over ₦700 million in revenue within just three weeks of reopening, according to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike.
Wike made the disclosure on Sunday during a Thanksgiving service at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, held in appreciation of the successful inauguration of multiple infrastructure projects by President Bola Tinubu, marking his second year in office.
Highlighting the turnaround in the centre’s performance, Wike revealed that prior to its rehabilitation, the facility was generating only ₦50 million annually under its previous management. He criticized the former operator, who he said is based in Adamawa, for underutilizing the potential of the facility.
Wike recalled public skepticism when the FCT Administration announced the ₦39 billion rehabilitation budget to upgrade the centre to international standards. However, he noted that the results have begun to validate the investment, with revenue already exceeding ₦700 million since reopening.]
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“When we visited the centre in 2024, President Tinubu described it as an eyesore and unfit to represent Nigeria on the global stage,” Wike said. “He directed that the centre be rehabilitated, and we completed the upgrade within seven months.”
He further stated that his decision to reclaim and refurbish the facility was met with resistance and criticism, particularly from individuals who had previously held public office but failed to deliver similar infrastructure in their own states.
“These are people who now claim they want to rescue Nigeria,” he remarked.
Wike said the thanksgiving service was an opportunity to express gratitude to God for the successful delivery of 17 projects in 16 days, with no incidents or casualties, despite the intense pace and travel involved.
“It wasn’t easy, but by God’s grace and through teamwork, we achieved it,” the minister added.
