The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has officially renamed the Abuja International Conference Centre as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, in recognition of the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during the formal inauguration ceremony of the rehabilitated facility in Abuja. The Minister also revealed that several other halls within the centre have been named after key figures in Nigeria’s government, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
Speaking at the event, Wike highlighted the role of President Tinubu and the National Assembly in the transformation of the facility.
“Today, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre can stand shoulder to shoulder with any international conference centre in the world,” he said.
“As we inspected the project, we decided to recognize those who have significantly supported the FCT. In that spirit, we named the halls after the Vice President, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House, and the CJN representing the three arms of government.”
READ ALSO: Wike accuses Amaechi of power obsession following ‘hunger’ remark
Wike emphasised that the renaming reflects both appreciation and recognition of the collective efforts that made the facility’s rehabilitation possible.
The original centre was built in 1991 during Nigeria’s military era. According to the Minister, the facility had suffered decades of neglect until the recent upgrade under the current administration.
“Within eight months, under the leadership of Mr. President, we have achieved this remarkable transformation. It is only right that the revitalized centre bears the name of the leader who made it possible,” Wike added.
To ensure proper maintenance and sustainability of the facility, Wike also announced a new policy requiring all users government ministries, agencies, and private individuals to pay for access.
“From now on, whether you are a ministry or an individual, if you wish to use the facility, you must pay. That is the only way we can maintain this beautiful structure. No more using the hall for free weddings or unofficial events under personal connections,” he stated.
