FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has defended the Federal Government’s decision to spend ₦39 billion on refurbishing the International Conference Centre in Abuja.
He insisted that the outcome reflects President Bola Tinubu’s refined taste and commitment to excellence.
Speaking on Friday during the inauguration of the newly completed Left-Hand Service Carriageway in Abuja, Wike stated that the entire facility underwent a comprehensive upgrade, sparing only the original block structures.
He acknowledged that while the centre was initially built for ₦240 million in 1991 under the military regime of former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, the economic landscape has drastically shifted, making present-day renovation costs significantly higher.
President Tinubu earlier commissioned the renovated centre on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. During the event, Wike announced its renaming as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, a move that sparked criticism from some opposition figures, including ex-lawmaker Shehu Sani, who argued the honour should have gone to Babangida, under whose administration the centre was originally constructed.
Others questioned the scale and cost of the refurbishment.Responding to critics, Wike dismissed the backlash, arguing that the detractors lack an appreciation for high standards.
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“The only part of the centre that wasn’t replaced was the structure itself—everything else was overhauled,” he said.
“If we truly want to embody the title ‘Giant of Africa,’ our infrastructure should reflect that status.”
He challenged comparisons between the initial construction cost in 1991 and the current renovation price tag, urging sceptics to consider inflation and the naira’s depreciation over time.
“What was the exchange rate in 1991 compared to now?” Wike asked. “Those who bring up the past figures are ignoring the reality of today’s economy.”
The minister also defended naming the facility after Tinubu, pointing out that many major landmarks bear names of national icons who were not directly involved in their development.
“Take a look at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport or Moshood Abiola Stadium—they weren’t constructed by those they’re named after,” he noted.
Wike stressed that the project was executed with the nation’s image in mind and expressed pride in standing firmly behind the president.
“We know what quality looks like, and the president has delivered nothing short of that. If others had the chance to defend their principal but failed to do so, that’s on them. I’m doing my part, and I have no apologies for it.”
Despite ongoing criticism about the project’s cost and timing, Wike maintained that the renovation represents a necessary investment in national prestige and infrastructure.
