Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has come out strongly in defence of the ₦39 billion spent on renovating the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, saying the upgrade was not only necessary but long overdue.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, June 13, during the commissioning of a new carriageway, Wike explained that the centre, built in 1991 for ₦240 million, was completely overhauled, except for the building’s concrete frame.
“The only thing in that International Conference Centre that was not changed was the block work. Everything in that Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre was changed,” Wike said.
He responded to critics questioning the cost by pointing to the current economic reality.
“What was the exchange rate in 1991?” he asked. “Compare the exchange rate to what we have in 2025.”
On June 10, President Bola Tinubu officially reopened the newly refurbished centre, which has now been renamed after him.
The decision sparked public backlash, with some arguing it should have been named after former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, under whose government the ICC was originally constructed.
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Opposition figures, including former lawmaker Shehu Sani, also questioned the value for money spent on the project.
But Wike was unapologetic. “Nobody who loves this country would criticise the International Conference Centre. They don’t have good taste,” he said bluntly.
He also dismissed complaints about the renaming, noting that other national landmarks were named after individuals who had no direct hand in their construction.
“They said we did not name the International Conference Centre after someone who built it. Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport was not built by Nnamdi Azikwe. Moshood Abiola International Stadium was not built by Moshood Abiola,” he said.
Wike made it clear he stood firmly behind the decision and his principal.
“We have taste, we want the best for the country, and the president has given the best for the country,” he said.
“If you did not do well to defend your boss when you had the opportunity, it is your business. I am here, and I will defend my boss. I have done it and I have no regret at all.”