The International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja has been officially commissioned after extensive renovations, with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decisive leadership for its transformation.
The revitalised facility has also been officially renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
Speaking at the commissioning, Minister Wike recounted the dilapidated state of the centre when President Tinubu visited last year to inaugurate the ECOWAS Parliament.
“It was an embarrassment for a country to have this as an international conference then,” Wike stated. He recalled President Tinubu’s strong reaction, asking, “How can we have this as an international conference?” and demanding to see a “different international conference” on his next visit.
Wike highlighted the swift turnaround under Tinubu’s direction. “Within a few months, Mr. President, this is what we have. And I agree with that. Without your leadership, it wouldn’t have been possible,” he asserted.
The minister contrasted President Tinubu’s leadership with previous administrations, noting, “You are not the only president who has come here. So many presidents have come here. Nobody has said, “This is not what Nigeria needs.” But because of your leadership, you gave an order that this is not the quality to show that Nigeria is the giant of Africa.”
The ICC, originally built in 1991 under a military government, had seen no significant upgrades since. Wike proudly proclaimed, “Today, Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre can match any other international conference.”
Looking ahead, Wike emphasised the critical need for sustainability, especially given past failures. He revealed that the centre was previously mismanaged when “being handled by a politician.”
“They gave it to a politician, and he killed the place.”
He also noted that efforts to renovate were initially met with legal challenges from the former operator, but President Tinubu insisted on proceeding.
“Pressure came left and centre; you said, ‘Go ahead and rehabilitate that place.'” And we thank God for sharing that leadership,” Wike added.
To ensure the new centre’s longevity, the minister issued a stern appeal: user fees must be enforced without exception.
“What I want to appeal, Mr. President, is that I know pressure will come. How do we sustain this? I want to let everybody know. Whether you’re a ministry or an agency, you want to use this. You have to pay something. You have to pay. That’s the only way it can be sustained. Nothing like my brother, my sister is going to have a wedding. If you want to use a place like this, such a beautiful place, then you must drop something.”
Wike concluded by stressing the importance of effective governance for national progress. “Our problem is leadership. When you have the right leadership, things will develop.”
