President Tinubu reopens the renovated Abuja International Conference Centre, now renamed in his honour, with new policies for sustainability and infrastructure renewal

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Abuja International Conference Centre has been officially renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre following a major renovation and reopening led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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The announcement was made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during a formal reopening ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, 10 June.

The refurbished facility, which now features modern amenities and enhanced architectural standards, was lauded by President Tinubu as a symbol of Nigeria’s aspirations in diplomacy, trade, and development.

He used the opportunity to announce that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) must now pay to use the centre in order to guarantee its upkeep and sustainability.

“When I attended the ECOWAS Parliament conference, the environment was dirty, disorganised, and uninhabitable,” President Tinubu recalled.

“I turned to Mr Wike and said, ‘This Conference Centre does not reflect who we are. Have we sunk this low?’”

The renovation, executed by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, received high praise from Tinubu for its quality and timely delivery.

The project was completed within eight months, in line with the directive issued by the President in April 2024.

Under his Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to revitalising critical infrastructure across sectors such as healthcare, education, transportation, and urban development.

“You are a transformational leader with foresight, vision, and determination,” Tinubu told Wike.

“Do not pay attention to the busybodies and bystanders. Whatever they say, continue your good work.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also praised the naming of individual halls within the centre after the heads of Nigeria’s three arms of government the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice.

Minister Wike reiterated the need for strict financial discipline in the management of the centre.

“Whether you are a ministry or an agency, you must pay something to use this facility,” Wike said. “There is no such thing as ‘my brother’ or ‘my sister’ wants to use it for a wedding.

If you want to use a beautiful place like this, you must pay something.”

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The renaming and reopening of the conference centre is one of several capital projects being unveiled as part of the second anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration.