The Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has defended the ₦39bn spent on renovating Abuja’s International Conference Centre (ICC), saying everything in the building was replaced except the super-structure.
He said that the money used to renovate the Conference Centre was huge because the renovation was full-scale and had become necessary.
Wike made the comments on Friday during the commissioning of a new service road constructed by his administration in Abuja.
He explained that while the original structure of the ICC, now renamed Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre remained in the same shape, only the super-structure of the Center was retained, while every other part of the centre was replaced.
According to him, the ICC was initially built in 1991 for ₦240 million under the leadership of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
However, he stated that prices have changed drastically since then, which is why the recent renovation is seen to have cost so much.
On June 10, 2025, the newly renovated ICC was officially commissioned by President Bola Tinubu.
After the renaming of the Center to President Tinubu, who did not conceive the idea of built the Center, some opposition voices, including a former federal lawmaker, criticised Wike and the President for taking glory on a project that was not his idea.
They argued that the building should have been named after Babangida, who oversaw its design, location and original construction. Others believed the ₦39 billion price tag for the renovation alone was too high.
Responding to these criticisms, Wike said, “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.”
He added, “Nigeria, as the Giant of Africa, must not only show that it is the Giant of Africa; people must see what makes you to be the Giant of Africa.
“Nobody who loves this country would criticise the renovation of the International Conference Centre.”
Wike also addressed complaints about the centre being renamed after someone who did not build it.
He stated, “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. So, why must we rename the International Conference Centre after the man who built it?”
To justify the cost of the renovation, the minister asked his critics to consider the exchange rate difference between 1991 and now.
“What was the exchange rate in 1991,” he asked. “Compare the exchange rate to what we have in 2025 and you see the difference.”
He insisted that the project was completed with a clear vision of why and the need it was going to serve, including its prestige to the FCT and Nigeria generally.
“We have taste, we want the best for the country, and the president has given the best for this country. The Conference Centre can’t be different,” he stressed.
He also criticised those who failed to support their leaders in the past.
“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 regrets at all,” he said.
The minister maintained that the project was not a waste as being alleged and stood by the decision to carry it out.
