BY ANTHONIA EMMANUEL
In a symbolic move aimed at recognizing leadership support for the development of Nigeria’s capital, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has officially renamed the Abuja International Conference Centre after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Now known as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, the newly renovated facility was unveiled on Tuesday during a formal inauguration ceremony held in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Wike praised President Tinubu’s leadership and support, noting that the extensive facelift and modernization of the once-dormant conference facility was made possible under his administration. The Minister emphasized that the centre had remained untouched since it was built in 1991, until the current rehabilitation project.
“Within eight months, Mr President, this is what we’ve achieved. Without your leadership, it wouldn’t have been possible,” Wike declared.
Beyond renaming the entire complex, the FCT Minister also announced that several halls within the centre have been named after high-ranking figures across the three arms of government. These include Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Olukayode Ariwoola Kekere-Ekun.
Wike explained that this gesture was meant to honour the ongoing collaboration and support from the National Assembly and the judiciary in the transformation of the FCT. “We have named these halls after them because they represent the three arms of government working together to support the FCT,” he said.
The Minister also addressed the need for sustainability and proper maintenance of the new facility. He stressed that all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as private users, will now be required to pay to use the centre regardless of status or affiliation.
“No more free access for weddings or events based on personal connections,” Wike warned. “This is a world-class facility and must be treated as such.”
With the new name and upgraded features, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre is now being positioned as a premium venue that meets international standards ready to host global and national events alike.
