In a high-profile ceremony in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially inaugurated the newly renovated Abuja International Conference Centre, a landmark now renamed in his honor.
The event, which took place on Tuesday, drew attendance from prominent government figures including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
FCT Minister Wike used the occasion to defend the decision to rename the centre after President Tinubu, linking the transformation of the facility to his leadership.
“It is important for the public to know and understand why this is called Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre,” Wike stated.
“This conference centre was built in 1991 under the military government. Since that time, nothing has happened to this International Conference Centre.”
Wike recounted how President Tinubu had expressed dismay over the poor state of the centre during a visit in mid-2023.
“Last year, July/August, you (Tinubu) came here to inaugurate the ECOWAS Parliament. It is an embarrassment for a country to still have this as an international conference (centre) then, and you said, ‘how can we have this’? That shows leadership.”
He added, “And you (Tinubu) said, ‘Next time you want to come here, you want to see a different international conference.”
“Within eight months, Mr President, this is what we have. And I agree that without your leadership, it wouldn’t have been possible.”
“You’re not the only President who has come here; so many Presidents have come here, and nobody has said this is what Nigeria needs.”
Describing the updated facility, Wike declared, “Today, this is the Bola Ahmed International Conference Centre, which can match any other international conference centre.”
Originally completed in 1991 under the military administration of Ibrahim Babangida, the conference centre had experienced years of neglect.
The recent renovation, however, has sparked widespread debate, particularly due to its price tag of N39 billion.
Wike addressed the financial concerns earlier this year, saying at a media briefing, “I am pleased with what is happening. Julius Berger has promised us that they will complete it. The total cost is N39 billion, not N39 million.”
He continued, “Furthermore, all the required materials are available. When discussing the percentage of work progress, it is essential to consider the work completed and the on-site materials.”
“I can confidently say that work is 70 to 80 per cent complete, and they have assured us they will finish and hand it over by May.”
Wike concluded by stressing the importance of having a world-class facility: “For everyone’s satisfaction, coming from a country like this, we cannot discuss having a befitting conference centre.”
“What is the essence of Nigeria, the largest nation? Are we merely large in name? We travel globally and observe standards; why should our own be different?”
While the new name and upgraded facility have drawn praise from some quarters, critics continue to question the timing and cost of the project, particularly in light of Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges.
