Wike Renames Abuja International Conference Centre In Honour Of President Tinubu
In a symbolic gesture of appreciation and alignment with national leadership, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has officially renamed the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC) after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The iconic facility, a longstanding symbol of Nigeria’s diplomatic and socio-political engagements, will henceforth be known as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
Originally commissioned in 1991 under the regime of former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, the conference centre was designed to reflect Nigeria’s ambition to be a hub for international diplomacy, trade, and development. The structure has hosted numerous global and national events over the years and was recently renovated under the stewardship of Minister Wike.
During the commissioning ceremony held on Tuesday in Abuja, Minister Wike commended President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure renewal and national development. He highlighted that the newly refurbished structure now meets world-class standards and is equipped to accommodate major global events. The minister added that it was only fitting for such a high-profile national landmark to bear the name of the sitting president whose administration, he said, has prioritized the revitalization of key national infrastructure.
“This is no ordinary building,” Wike stated. “The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre is now a world-class facility. It represents our national pride and readiness to host international engagements with the dignity and excellence they deserve. This kind of infrastructure deserves to bear the name of a leader who has demonstrated unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s progress.”
He also emphasized that the use of the facility would now be subject to strict maintenance standards and a fee policy, regardless of the social status of the users. “This centre must be maintained at the highest level, and as such, anyone who wishes to use it—be they high-ranking officials or members of the public—must pay the stipulated fees,” the minister said.
Wike further clarified that the management of the conference centre would not be entrusted to politicians, in a deliberate effort to avoid the mismanagement often associated with political interference in public facilities. He revealed that the renowned construction firm, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, which carried out the renovation, will oversee its day-to-day operations and maintenance.
“The operation and maintenance of this facility will remain in the hands of Julius Berger,” Wike noted. “We are not handing it over to any politician. This is a serious national asset that requires professional management. The staff who will run the centre are well-trained Nigerians, supervised and vetted to ensure they can competently operate the technology and systems in place.”
He concluded by stating that preparations for the full commencement of operations are in the final stages and that the facility would begin hosting events soon after the commissioning.
The decision to rename and preserve the conference centre under professional hands marks a significant step in Nigeria’s effort to modernize its capital city and ensure the sustainability of public assets. It also reflects the current administration’s broader agenda of infrastructure revitalization and efficient public service delivery.
