The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has officially renamed the Abuja International Conference Centre as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, in honour of the president’s leadership and support for the capital’s development.
Wike made the announcement during the inauguration of the newly rehabilitated facility on Tuesday in Abuja.
In addition to the renaming of the main centre, the minister revealed that several other halls within the complex have also been renamed after key figures in the federal government: Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola Kekere-Ekun.
“This Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre can now rival any global facility of its kind,” Wike declared. “As we inspected the project, I said we must also recognize those who have supported the FCT. So, we have named halls after Tajudeen Abbas, Godswill Akpabio, the Vice President, and the CJN. These names reflect the three arms of government working together.”
Wike explained that although the renamed halls carry individual names, they remain part of the unified structure now bearing the president’s name.
“Since the building is under your leadership, it should carry your name. The individual halls are under the umbrella of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre,” he added.
The minister provided historical context for the renovation, noting that the original conference centre was constructed in 1991 under a military regime and had seen little to no refurbishment since then.
“It is important for the public to understand why this centre now bears President Tinubu’s name. Since 1991, this centre had remained neglected. But in just eight months under President Tinubu’s leadership, this transformation has happened. Without his direction, it would not have been possible.”
New policy on usage and maintenance
Wike also announced a new policy regarding the use of the facility, aimed at ensuring its long-term maintenance and sustainability.
“To sustain this, anyone—whether a ministry, agency, or individual—who wants to use the facility must pay. This includes weddings or events. It’s a beautiful venue and it should be treated as such. Sentiments won’t keep it running; only responsibility will,” the minister said.
