By Eunice Orike
Federal capital territory administration FCTA, has announced plans for an emergency renovation of the iconic IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja to restore the facility back to international standard.
The minister of the federal capital territory FCT, Nyesom Wike disclosed this when he visited the club and met with its newly appointed Board of Trustees over the weekend led by the chairperson, Justice Monica Dongban Mensem, who is also the President of the Court of Appeal.
The approval followed a request by Justice Dongban-Mensem that the club has become worn out due to excessive use and little maintenance since it was opened to play in 1991.
Recall that the IBB Golf and Country Club, a significant landmark built approximately three decades ago in Abuja, was temporarily closed in April this year due to internal disagreements and to facilitate its much needed renovation.
Speaking during the meeting Wike emphasised the importance of preserving the facility’s rich history and promoting its potential as a world-class tourist destination.
“We’re not just renovating a building; we’re revitalizing a national icon, “This project will not only enhance the club’s facilities but also boost tourism, create jobs, and contribute to the nation’s economic growth”, he said.
The Minister revealed that Julius Berger, the original designers of the club’s layout, will lead the renovation efforts and that the project will be executed in phases, with the clubhouse being the first priority.
According to the FCT Minister, “I will invite Julius Berger because they are the ones that built it and it will be easier for them.
“Anybody who means well for this country, these are the kind of things he must encourage. If you open up the place now, it will continue to degenerate. So, it’s better we put this place in order quickly so that when people come, they have a place where they can relax, have their drinks. It’s very important”, he said.
Furthermore, the Minister stressed the need for prompt payment of taxes, and ground rent to support infrastructure development, warning that failure to pay would result in property seizures.
“When they tell you tomorrow to go and pay your ground rent, you get angry, but you forget that this money is required for infrastructure provision. By the time I go and seal your property now, you say, ‘Oh, why is he sealing people’s property?’ But where will the money come from? Will it come from my personal property? And you know that Julius Berger is expensive. So, when we do all these things and you don’t pay your ground rent, I will seal it up”, the Minister stated.
He emphasized that the government is committed to providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Earlier, the President of the Court of Appeal and Chairperson, Board of Trustees, IBB International Golf and Country Club, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, expressed gratitude to the Minister for his visit and for his commitment to the provision of infrastructure in the FCT.
Mensem appealed for urgent support in revitalizing the club’s infrastructure, which serves over 5,000 registered members, highlighting the need for specialized machinery beyond the club’s financial capacity.
“We are confident that with the massive infrastructural development under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and under your dynamic leadership of the FCT, our dear IBB International Club will similarly be a beneficiary of your foresightedness and determination to turn our nation around,” She said.
Adding that the government intervention would boost tourism and revenue generation, ultimately improving Nigeria’s international standing.
