Critics Of ₦39bn ICC Renovation Lack Taste – Wike

Nyesom Wike has defended the ₦39bn spent on renovating Abuja’s International Conference Centre, ICC saying everything was replaced except the structure.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the ₦39 billion used to renovate the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja. He said the renovation was full-scale and necessary.

Wike made these comments on Friday during the commissioning of a new service road. He explained that while the original structure of the building remained the same, every other part of the centre was replaced.

According to him, the ICC was initially built in 1991 for ₦240 million under the leadership of former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida. However, he said that prices have changed drastically since then, which is why the recent renovation cost so much.

On June 10, 2025, the newly renovated ICC was officially commissioned by President Bola Tinubu. During the event, Wike also renamed the facility as the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre.

After the renaming, some opposition voices, including a former federal lawmaker, criticised Wike. They argued that the building should have been named after Babangida, who oversaw its original construction. Others believed the ₦39 billion price tag was too high.

Responding to these criticisms, Wike said, “The only thing in that International Conference Centre that was not changed was the block work. Everything in that Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre was changed.”

He further added, “Nigeria, as the Giant of Africa, must not only show that it is the Giant of Africa; people must see what makes you to be the Giant of Africa. Nobody who loves this country would criticise the International Conference Centre.”

Wike also addressed complaints about the centre being renamed after someone who did not build it. He pointed out, “They said we did not name the International Conference Centre after someone who built it. Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport was not built by Nnamdi Azikwe. Moshood Abiola International Stadium was not built by Moshood Abiola.”

To justify the cost, he asked critics to consider the exchange rate difference between 1991 and now. “What was the exchange rate in 1991?” he asked. “Compare the exchange rate to what we have in 2025.”

Wike said the project was completed with a clear vision. “We have taste, we want the best for the country, and the president has given the best for the country,” he stated.

He also criticised those who failed to support their leaders in the past. “If you did not do well to defend your boss when you had the opportunity, it is your business. I am here, and I will defend my boss. I have done it and I have no regret at all,” he said.

Wike maintained that the project was not a waste and stood by the decision to carry it out.
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