The International Conference Center (ICC) Abuja has been renamed Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Center as the President commissions the newly rehabilitated complex conference and pledged his administration’s commitment to revitalizing critical infrastructure across all sectors of the country, under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President made the pledge in Abuja on Tuesday, during the commissioning of the newly rehabilitated International Conference Centre (ICC), which has also been officially renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in recognition of his leadership and transformational initiatives.
During the commissioning ceremony, President Tinubu expressed his profound honor and happiness at the re-opening of the ICC, emphasizing that the rehabilitation reflects a determined effort to showcase Nigeria as a nation of quality, character, determination, and great spirit.
The President particularly lauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his exceptional work, stating, “Don’t pay attention to the busybody and the bystanders and whatever they say. Continue to do your good work. You are a transformational leader, you have the foresight, the vision and determination to succeed. Thank you very much”.
President Tinubu recalled his previous visit to the facility for an ECOWAS Parliament conference, describing its then-dilapidated state as an “embarrassment” and a stark reflection of decline. He noted that Barrister Wike had assured him of a complete transformation, a promise that has now been fulfilled.
He also commended Julius Berger, the contractor, for their quality work, stating, “Today we are not talking about renovation; we are talking about rehabilitation. We are talking about quality, commitment to details and good work. It reflects what Julius Berger is known for in this country for years”.
Stressing that modern infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving economy and an inclusive society, the President reiterated his administration’s dedication to renewing infrastructure across key sectors, including transportation, healthcare, education, energy, and urban development, all under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The International Conference Centre, he added, is integral to Nigeria’s vision of becoming a hub for regional diplomacy, continental trade discussions, and global partnerships.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his goodwill remarks, also commended Barrister Wike for the “marvelous renovation job,” describing the previous state of the ICC as a “monumental embarrassment”.
He praised President Tinubu’s transformative impact on the country, saying, “The Nigerian parliament is very proud of you. We are proud of the fact that we do budgeting, we give the approval and you do the execution. You have put on your thinking cap and you are very determined to leave Nigeria better than you met it”.
Senator Akpabio also lauded the FCT Administration for renaming the facility after President Tinubu and acknowledged the naming of halls after prominent government officials, including himself and the Speaker as a great impetus to do more for the country.
Earlier, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, explained that the ICC was renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre because the President had directed its rehabilitation.
He highlighted that the ICC, built in 1991, had suffered neglect until President Tinubu’s visit last year, adding that it was President Tinubu’s direct order for its renovation, born out of his disappointment with its then-poor condition, that spurred the rapid eight-month transformation.
“Without your (President Tinubu’s) leadership, it wouldn’t have been possible – you are not the only President who has been here, so many presidents have come here and none said this is not what Nigeria needs. You gave a marching order that this is not the quality to show that Nigeria is the giant of Africa. Today, this Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre can match any other international conference centre in the world”, Barrister Wike stated.
The Minister also announced that all ministries and government agencies intending to use the facility would be required to pay a fee, emphasizing that this revenue generation model was crucial for the sustainable maintenance of the newly rehabilitated centre.
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