President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday inaugurated the newly renovated Abuja International Conference Centre, which has now been renamed in his honour, sparking controversy over the project’s hefty N39 billion price tag.
The ceremony, held in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was attended by high-ranking officials, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other dignitaries.
During the event, Minister Wike defended the decision to rename the iconic venue as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, crediting the President’s leadership for driving the transformation of the long-neglected facility.
“This conference centre was originally built in 1991 under the military regime but had seen no significant improvements since,” Wike said. “When you (Tinubu) visited last year to inaugurate the ECOWAS Parliament, you expressed shock at the state of the facility and demanded a complete overhaul. Within eight months, under your directive, this is what we’ve achieved.”
He added, “Many Presidents have used this centre, but it took your leadership to make a difference.”
The centre, which once served as Nigeria’s premier event venue, had suffered from decades of underuse and poor maintenance. Its renovation was officially announced in March by Wike, who revealed that the project would cost N39 billion—a figure that drew criticism from Nigerians facing economic hardship and rising inflation.
Responding to public concerns, Wike defended the expenditure during a press briefing in Abuja, stating that President Tinubu approved the budget, and the project was critical for Nigeria’s global reputation.
“The total cost is N39 billion, not N39 million,” Wike emphasized. “Julius Berger is handling the project, and they’ve committed to completing and handing it over by May. We’re currently at 70 to 80 per cent completion.”
He further argued that Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country, deserved a world-class facility to match international standards.
“Why should our infrastructure fall below expectations when we compare ourselves to what we see globally? This project is about national pride and image,” he added.
Despite the justifications, the renaming and cost of the renovation remain points of public debate, with critics questioning the timing and priorities of the administration.
