Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the ₦39 billion spent on renovating the International Conference Centre in Abuja, describing the project as both “necessary” and “comprehensive.”
Speaking at the commissioning of the newly completed Left-Hand Service Carriageway on Friday, Wike stated that aside from the structure’s blockwork, everything within the centre was replaced.
“Everything in that Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre was changed,” Wike said.
Originally built in 1991 for ₦240 million during the Babangida regime, the conference centre was recently refurbished and renamed after President Bola Tinubu, who inaugurated the facility on 10 June 2025.
Wike dismissed criticism from opposition figures including former Senator Shehu Sani who argued the centre should have been named after Ibrahim Babangida, and questioned the renovation’s cost.
“Those criticising the amount spent don’t have good taste,” Wike said, noting inflation and currency devaluation since 1991.
He also pushed back against claims the money could have been better spent elsewhere.
“Nobody who loves this country would criticise the International Conference Centre,” he asserted, insisting the investment reflects Nigeria’s status as the “Giant of Africa.”
Wike concluded by affirming his loyalty to President Tinubu, saying he would “defend his boss without regret.”
