Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday unveiled the rechristening of the Abuja International Conference Centre, which will henceforth bear the name of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a tribute to his leadership and enduring influence on Nigeria’s governance landscape.
The announcement was made during the inauguration ceremony of the newly renovated facility, where Wike highlighted the transformation of the landmark venue and acknowledged the President’s role in its swift rehabilitation.
“This centre, now named after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has undergone a complete turnaround. It now stands shoulder to shoulder with world-class venues globally. This achievement was made possible within just eight months under the leadership of Mr President,” Wike stated during his address.
In addition to the rebranding of the main facility, several key halls within the complex were renamed to reflect the contributions of other high-ranking government officials. The newly designated halls now bear the names of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola.
Wike emphasized that the decision to rename the halls was a recognition of the collaborative efforts among the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government in supporting the development of the FCT.
“These leaders have played significant roles in backing the FCT administration’s initiatives. It is only fitting that their names are inscribed in a facility that symbolises unity and national progress,” he added.
Built in 1991 during a military regime, the Conference Centre had seen little in terms of upgrades until the recent intervention by the Tinubu-led administration. The Minister praised the swift completion of the renovation project and linked it directly to the President’s decisive leadership style.
Looking ahead, Wike also announced a policy shift concerning the use of the centre. In a move aimed at ensuring sustainable upkeep, all ministries, agencies, and individuals will now be required to pay for access to the facility.
“To maintain this standard, we must introduce a usage fee. There will be no exemptions. Whether it’s a wedding or an official event, users must contribute to its upkeep. This is how we guarantee that the facility remains in top condition,” he said.
The renaming and re-opening mark a new chapter for one of the capital’s most iconic venues, signalling a broader emphasis on accountability, development, and recognition of public service.
