The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday defended the ₦39 billion spent on renovating the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, describing the upgrade as thorough, necessary, and reflective of Nigeria’s stature as Africa’s giant.
Speaking at the commissioning of the newly completed Left-Hand Service Carriageway, Wike explained that every part of the ICC was replaced during the renovation except the building’s core block structure.
He highlighted that while the original ICC was built in 1991 during the military regime of former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida at a cost of ₦240 million, inflation and changes in commodity prices over the decades justified the ₦39 billion renovation budget.
On June 10, 2025, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the refurbished facility, which was renamed the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre by the FCT minister.
Some opposition figures, including former federal lawmaker Shehu Sani, criticized the renaming, arguing it should have retained Babangida’s name. Others condemned the renovation cost as excessive.
Responding to critics, Wike dismissed their concerns, saying they “don’t have good taste.”
“The only thing that remained unchanged in the ICC was the block work. Everything else was replaced,” Wike said. “As the giant of Africa, Nigeria must reflect its status not just in name but in quality and infrastructure. Anyone who loves this country should support such projects.”
Addressing the renaming controversy, Wike noted, “The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was not built by Azikiwe himself, nor was the Moshood Abiola Stadium built by Abiola. Naming institutions after national figures is a common practice.”
He also challenged the comparison between the original ₦240 million construction cost and the ₦39 billion renovation, pointing to differences in exchange rates and inflation since 1991.
“If you have no interest in defending your leader, that is your choice. But I am proud to stand by my boss and this project. I have no regrets,” Wike concluded, rebuffing suggestions that the renovation was a misplaced priority.
