Wike Renames Abuja Icon After Tinubu As President Declares Him ‘Landlord Of The Capital
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, referring to him as the “landlord of Abuja” during the commissioning ceremony of the newly rehabilitated International Conference Centre (ICC). The historic event took place in the heart of the nation’s capital, Abuja, and marked the formal renaming of the iconic structure as the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre in honour of the President.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu expressed gratitude for the efforts made by Minister Wike in revamping the facility, originally constructed in 1991 under the military administration of former President Ibrahim Babangida. The President’s remarks drew attention to Wike’s assertive management style and unwavering commitment to restoring public infrastructure within the FCT.
“We must listen to the landlord of Abuja,” President Tinubu declared, drawing laughter and applause from attendees. “If you want to use this place, you have to pay for it.”
The President’s comment reinforced Wike’s earlier declaration that the newly refurbished ICC will be operated as a professionally run, revenue-generating public asset — not as a political free-for-all. Wike had stressed that regardless of a user’s social or political status, fees must be paid to access and utilize the facility, ensuring sustainability through responsible maintenance.
The Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, now equipped with modern technological systems and upgraded facilities, has been described as a world-class event space meeting international standards. The rehabilitation was executed by renowned construction firm Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, who will also manage the facility moving forward. This strategic move is part of a broader initiative by the FCT Administration to curb mismanagement and ensure effective use of government resources.
Speaking on behalf of the administration, Wike emphasized that the conference centre will not be handed over to political allies or appointees, but will instead be managed by competent professionals.
“The centre will be maintained by Julius Berger, the company that built it. We’re not going to hand it over to any politician to manage,” Wike stated.
He added that the staff operating the facility are well-trained Nigerians, fully equipped to handle the technology and operations of the centre with minimal external intervention.
President Tinubu, in his remarks, reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to modern infrastructure development as a cornerstone of national economic growth. He emphasized that sustainable economic prosperity cannot be achieved without first laying a solid foundation of functional, modern public infrastructure.
“We are aware that modern infrastructure remains the backbone of economic prosperity,” the President noted.
The renaming of the International Conference Centre in Tinubu’s honour is symbolic of his administration’s broader ambition to embed legacy projects within the Federal Capital Territory, bolstered by the FCT Minister’s aggressive infrastructural renewal drive.
As the nation continues its journey toward economic recovery and structural modernization, the commissioning of the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre stands as a testament to what can be achieved through visionary leadership, public-private collaboration, and a disciplined approach to public asset management.
With the formal reopening of the centre, Abuja regains one of its most prestigious venues for international summits, business forums, and national celebrations — now equipped to meet the demands of the 21st century.
