By Eunice Orike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has justified the 39bn spent on renovating the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, says that the investment is already generating substantial returns.
During a live media chat in Abuja on Thursday, Wike revealed that the centre has earned 650 million naira in revenue within just three weeks of its commissioning, far exceeding the 50 million naira previously generated annually.
The Minister defended the decision to name the ICC after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasisng that the iconic facility had not undergone any major maintenance since its construction in 1991.
He stressed that the decision reflects the administration’s commitment to revamping national monuments.
“The centre had been neglected since 1991. It takes a leader with vision to prioritize its renovation. This edifice projects Nigeria to the world. If you visit the Centre today, you will be happy,” Wike said.
According to him, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu ICC is already fully booked until 2027, indicating its high demand and the quality of the transformation it underwent.
“Nigerians appreciate value and quality. That’s why the Centre is in such high demand,” he added.
Responding to concerns that a future administration might rename the centre, Wike expressed confidence that the name will stand the test of time.
He cited precedents such as the IBB Golf Club, various stadiums, and airports named after past Nigerian leaders.
“This is not the first time a national facility has been named in honour of a living leader. We should develop a culture of celebrating our patriotic citizens while they are still alive,” he said.
The FCT Minister also addressed allegations that he allocated plots of land to his two sons, dismissing the claims as baseless blackmail sponsored by a failed politician from Adamawa State.
Wike also spoke on the political situation in his home state of Rivers, declaring that peace has returned following his reconciliation with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“Peace has returned to Rivers State. There is no room for pessimism,” he said.
He alleged that some individuals had been exploiting the political crisis for personal financial gains, describing it as an “oil well” for unscrupulous actors who are now disappointed by the truce.
