Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has announced that the Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC) will officially resume operations on June 10, 2025, following a comprehensive renovation project.
The announcement came after Wike’s inspection tour of several key infrastructure projects in Abuja, including the Outer Southern Expressway leading to Wassa and ongoing road construction in Gishiri. The Minister confirmed that preparations are in their final stages and that the ICC will be ready for use immediately after its formal commissioning.
The ICC had been temporarily closed in April 2024 for extensive refurbishment. At the time, the FCT administration cancelled all scheduled events and terminated the management contract with Integrated Facility Management Services Limited due to what was described as prolonged neglect and poor facility upkeep.
Renovation works were reassigned to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, with the construction firm handling major upgrades across the facility. As part of a new strategy, Wike stated that the FCT administration is finalizing an agreement to retain Julius Berger for long-term maintenance responsibilities. This approach, he noted, is aimed at addressing persistent challenges in sustaining public infrastructure across the country.
“Maintenance has always been a weak point. We’re changing that narrative,” Wike said. “This time, the same company that built and upgraded the facility will also be in charge of its upkeep. We’re keeping politics out of it.”
He added that the facility’s upgraded systems, including modern technologies installed during the renovation, would not pose operational difficulties. According to the Minister, existing staff will be supported with the necessary training and technical assistance.
Wike also stressed that any future users of the ICC would contribute to its maintenance through usage fees, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the facility.
The refurbished ICC, which has historically hosted high-profile national and international events, is expected to play a vital role in revitalizing Abuja’s conference and tourism appeal.
