The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has justified the ₦39 billion spent on the renovation of the International Conference Centre in Abuja, asserting that the transformation was comprehensive and befitting of Nigeria’s status as the “Giant of Africa.”
Speaking on Friday during the commissioning of the newly constructed Left-Hand Service Carriageway in Abuja, Wike explained that the only part of the conference centre untouched was the block work.
He emphasised that the original ₦240 million cost in 1991 cannot be compared to today’s figures due to inflation and currency depreciation.
“The only thing in that International Conference Centre that was not changed is just the block work. Everything in that Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre was changed,” Wike said in a pointed response to critics.
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He added: “They said we did not name the International Conference Centre after someone who built it. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was not built by Nnamdi Azikiwe. Moshood Abiola International Stadium was not built by Moshood Abiola.”
Wike also addressed concerns about the project’s cost, saying, “What was the exchange rate in 1991? Compare the exchange rate to what we have in 2025.”
Brushing aside criticisms over the centre’s renaming and the ₦39bn price tag, the minister stated: “We have taste, we want the best for the country and the president has given the best for the country.”
He further defended his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, under whose administration the centre was renovated and renamed.
“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,” Wike said.
The renovated centre, now named the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, was inaugurated by the President on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.