Nigeria’s iconic Abuja International Conference Centre has been renamed after President Bola Tinubu, following a major refurbishment led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The announcement was made during a ceremony marking President Tinubu’s second year in office. Wike said the renamed Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre now reflects the dignity and aspirations of the Nigerian people.
Alongside the renaming, several halls within the facility have been dedicated to high-ranking officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, in recognition of their contributions to national development.
The conference centre, which was built in 1990 and hosted the 1991 OAU Heads of State summit, had reportedly fallen into disrepair. Wike stated that no significant renovations had taken place since its inception until President Tinubu gave a “clear directive” under the Renewed Hope Agenda to restore the structure.
Wike said the transformation now makes the centre comparable to international standards. “It’s been turned into a structure worthy of any global city, and Nigeria can be proud of this achievement,” he added.
He also introduced a new policy mandating that all users of the facility—whether government agencies or private individuals—must pay for its use. “There’ll be no more free events for friends or family. The only way to sustain this facility is through responsible use,” he noted.
The minister revealed that a politically appointed manager had previously neglected the centre, and even took legal action to stop its rehabilitation when it was repossessed by the FCT Administration.
President Tinubu, attending the event, expressed satisfaction with the centre’s new appearance. He recalled a recent visit during which he was dismayed by its dilapidated state.
“It was filthy and chaotic,” Tinubu said. “I turned to Wike and said, ‘This doesn’t represent Nigeria.’ He promised change—and he delivered. Today, we are witnessing the result.”
He described Wike as a visionary and urged him to stay focused despite distractions. “Ignore the bystanders and naysayers. Continue being the transformational leader that you are.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded the successful execution of the project, saying it showed the value of effective governance. “We do the planning, you do the implementation—that’s how progress happens,” he said.
The Abuja International Conference Centre has historically served as a venue for high-level summits, exhibitions, and official events, making it a cornerstone of Nigeria’s diplomatic and civic infrastructure.
