In a major event marking an important milestone, President Bola Tinubu reopened the renovated Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC) on Tuesday, now officially named the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre. The ceremony took place in Abuja, with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike announcing the new name for the facility, originally opened in 1991.
During the reopening, President Tinubu stressed the importance of ensuring the Centre’s upkeep by directing all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to pay for its usage. This mandate aims to promote financial discipline and long-term sustainability for this key national facility.
Reflecting on his previous visit during the 2024 ECOWAS Parliament conference, President Tinubu expressed his disappointment at the poor condition of the Centre, describing it as “dirty, disorganized, and uninhabitable.” He recalled conversing with Wike about the need for transformation, stating, “This Conference Centre does not reflect who we are. Have we sunk this low?”
He praised the completed renovations, which he attributed to the efforts of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, and reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to revitalizing critical infrastructure across various sectors, including transportation, healthcare, education, energy, and urban development.
During his address, President Tinubu commended Minister Wike for accomplishing the renovation within a year of the Centre’s closure. “You are a transformational leader with foresight, vision, and determination,” he told Wike, encouraging him to continue his good work despite any criticism.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also acknowledged the collaboration among the executive, legislature, and judiciary under President Tinubu’s administration, highlighting the naming of various halls within the Centre after key national leaders.
Wike praised the transformation achieved under his leadership, emphasizing the need for financial discipline in maintaining the upgraded facility. He asserted, “If you want to use a beautiful place like this, you must pay something,” reiterating the importance of proper funding to sustain the Centre’s operations.
The newly inaugurated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre is one of several capital projects set for commissioning as part of the plans celebrating President Tinubu’s second anniversary in office. The revitalization of the facility represents a step toward enhancing Nigeria’s status as a hub for regional diplomacy and global partnerships.