By JKNewsMedia
REVAMPED TO international standards, the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja has reopened following a comprehensive rehabilitation, with President Bola Tinubu lauding the contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, for a timely, world-class execution.
Standing beside Senate President Godswill Akpabio and FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to infrastructure revitalisation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
At the commissioning, the President recalled the derelict state of the centre during the last ECOWAS Parliament session, branding it an embarrassment to Nigeria.
He noted that the FCT Minister had promised a full transformation, a pledge that has now materialised.
“This reflects our collective resolve to project Nigeria as a nation defined by excellence, character, and resilience,” Tinubu declared.
The President hailed the centre’s transformation as more than mere renovation.
“This is rehabilitation, quality, attention to detail, and exemplary execution,” he said.
He applauded Julius Berger for consistently upholding engineering standards that mirror Nigeria’s ambitions for regional and international leadership.
The facility, he added, is pivotal to Nigeria’s role in continental diplomacy and global partnerships.
Senate President Akpabio, reiterating the President’s comments, described the former state of the centre as a “monumental embarrassment.”
He commended the FCT Minister’s leadership and praised the construction quality, saying,
“I can imagine this is the signature of Julius Berger; their work speaks for itself.”
He also credited the President’s focus and follow-through, stating, “We budget, we approve, and you deliver.”
Minister Wike used the occasion to announce a new usage policy.
“Going forward, ministries and agencies will be required to pay to use the facility, with revenue earmarked for its ongoing maintenance.
“This sustainability model, he explained, ensures the longevity and operational excellence of the newly completed centre,” Wike said.
Boasting a 10,000-seat capacity, the upgraded ICC now features state-of-the-art acoustic systems, AI-powered translation booths, and renewable energy integration, marking a new benchmark in Nigeria’s public infrastructure.
Among the attendees were top-tier government officials, traditional rulers, and diplomatic representatives.
Julius Berger’s Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Peer Lubasch, led the contractor’s delegation at the landmark event.
