The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has renamed the Abuja International Conference Centre as Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
President Tinubu reopened the renovated facility on Tuesday and directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to pay for its use to ensure its upkeep and long-term sustainability.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed in a statement Tuesday that the President recalled his previous visit to the Centre during the ECOWAS Parliament conference in April 2024, and recounted his shock at its poor state.
“When I attended the ECOWAS Parliament conference, the environment was dirty, disorganised, and uninhabitable.
“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 reflected what Julius Berger had been known for in the country for years.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, 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.
Akpabio 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.
