By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
FRESH UPGRADES to Nigeria’s capital infrastructure were unveiled on Tuesday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned the extensively rehabilitated Abuja International Conference Centre, now renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
The once-neglected facility has been transformed into a state-of-the-art venue reflecting the administration’s commitment to national renewal.
The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, announced the renaming during the inauguration ceremony, honouring President Tinubu while dedicating individual halls within the centre to other key national leaders.
These include Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola Kekere-Ekun, symbolising recognition of Nigeria’s three arms of government.
President Tinubu, recalling his previous visit to the facility during an ECOWAS session, described it then as “dirty, disorganised, and uninhabitable.”
He praised the transformation and the quality of work delivered by construction firm Julius Berger, asserting that the centre now matches any global standard and aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This conference centre is no longer an abandoned relic. It now reflects the character and spirit of a nation committed to excellence,” Tinubu said.
“Modern infrastructure is the foundation of any thriving economy, and this centre symbolises our renewed commitment to development.”
Minister Wike highlighted the project’s rapid eight-month turnaround, attributing its success directly to President Tinubu’s leadership.
He further announced a new usage policy requiring government ministries, agencies, and private parties to pay for use of the facility, marking a shift towards sustainable maintenance.
“No more free usage under the guise of political connections. If you want to use this place, you must pay. That is the only way to maintain this level of excellence,” Wike said, receiving nods from attending officials.
The original structure, built in 1991, had seen years of decline.
With this renovation complete, the centre now stands as a premier venue for high-level national and international events, reinforcing Nigeria’s status as Africa’s diplomatic and economic anchor.
Tinubu closed his remarks with a directive for responsible use: “You must obey the landlord. If you want to use this place, you have got to pay.”
