President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday commissioned the newly rehabilitated Abuja International Conference Centre, which has now been renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
He hailed the project as a symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to excellence and infrastructural renewal.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu praised the transformation of the facility, which he described as previously “dirty, disorganised, and uninhabitable” during his last visit for an ECOWAS Parliament session.
He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his leadership and urged him to ignore detractors.
“I am greatly honored and happy to be here to reopen this international conference centre as part of our determined effort to change the way we do things to reflect us as people of quality, people of character, people of determination, and people of great spirit.
“Don’t pay attention to the busybodies and the bystanders; whatever they say, continue with your good work. You are a transformational leader,” the President said.
Tinubu also lauded construction giant, Julius Berger, for delivering a world-class facility, stating, “Today, we are not talking about renegotiation; we are talking about rehabilitation, quality, commitment to detail, and good work.”
The President emphasised that the project aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to upgrade infrastructure in transportation, healthcare, education, energy, and urban development.
“Modern infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving economy and an inclusive society. We are renewing our hope and believing in ourselves, in what Nigeria can be: the greatest nation on earth.
“This centre positions Nigeria as a hub for continental diplomacy and global partnerships under our Nigeria First philosophy,” he said.
Tinubu concluded with a lighthearted but firm directive: “You must obey the landlord; if you want to use this place, you have got to pay!”
Earlier, the minister of FCT Wike announced the renaming of the centre in honour of President Tinubu, citing his leadership as pivotal to Nigeria’s progress.
“Because of your leadership, this facility now reflects that Nigeria is the Giant of Africa,” Wike said.
He also introduced a new policy requiring ministries, agencies, and private users to pay for accessing the centre to ensure sustainability.
“No more ‘my brother wants to wed here for free.’ If you want this beautiful place, you must pay. This is how we sustain excellence,” he said.
The Minister criticised past political interference that allegedly ruined the centre and praised Tinubu for backing the renovation despite pressures.
Additionally, Wike revealed that key halls within the centre have been named after prominent figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the Clerk of the National Assembly.
The ceremony was attended by top government officials, lawmakers, and representatives from Julius Berger, marking a milestone in Nigeria’s infrastructural revitalization efforts.
