The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the ₦39 billion spent on renovating the International Conference Centre, Abuja, amid widespread criticism over the cost and recent renaming of the facility.
Speaking on Friday at the commissioning of the newly constructed Left-Hand Service Carriageway in Abuja, Wike said the entire facility was overhauled, with only the block work left untouched. He dismissed critics of the project’s cost as lacking “good taste.”
President Bola Tinubu had, on Tuesday, June 10, inaugurated the refurbished centre, now renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre. The renaming sparked backlash, with some opposition figures, including former senator Shehu Sani, arguing that the centre should have been named after former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, under whose administration it was originally built in 1991 at a cost of ₦240 million.
Responding to such criticisms, Wike questioned the comparison. “What was the exchange rate in 1991? Compare it to what we have in 2025,” he said, stressing that economic realities have changed drastically. “Nobody who loves this country would criticise the International Conference Centre,” he added.
The FCT Minister further pointed out that naming public infrastructure after figures who didn’t build them was a common national practice. “Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport was not built by Nnamdi Azikwe. Moshood Abiola International Stadium was not built by Moshood Abiola,” he said.
Wike also used the platform to reaffirm his loyalty to President Tinubu, saying, “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.”
The ₦39 billion renovation has remained controversial, with many Nigerians questioning the scale of the expenditure amid economic hardship. Wike, however, maintained that the upgrade reflects Nigeria’s status as “Giant of Africa” and insisted that the capital deserves infrastructure of global standard.
