… President mandates payment for use
By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally reopened the refurbished Abuja International Conference Centre, now renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, during a ceremony held in the nation’s capital on Tuesday.
In a move aimed at ensuring the facility’s sustainability and maintenance, the President directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to pay for the use of the complex, regardless of their status or affiliation.
The Centre, originally opened in 1991, has undergone a significant facelift under the direction of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, following the President’s dismay at its dilapidated condition during a visit for the 2024 ECOWAS Parliament conference.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu recalled the shock he experienced at the time, describing the premises as “dirty, disorganised, and uninhabitable.”
He credited FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for promising swift action and following through with the commitment to transform the Centre into a world-class venue.
The President emphasised the importance of the Centre in Nigeria’s strategic vision, describing it as a symbol of the nation’s aspirations to become a hub for regional diplomacy, continental trade, and global cooperation.
He praised Julius Berger Nigeria PLC for the quality of the renovation, commending the company’s consistency in delivering excellence.
He also assured Nigerians that the revitalisation of infrastructure remains a cornerstone of his Renewed Hope Agenda, encompassing critical sectors such as transport, education, healthcare, energy, and urban development.
President Tinubu also used the occasion to commend Wike for his dedication and dismissed criticism from detractors, describing the Minister as a transformational leader with foresight and tenacity.
In his remarks, Minister Wike announced the Centre’s renaming in the President’s honour and disclosed that the extensive renovation was completed within eight months.
He attributed the achievement to President Tinubu’s leadership, stating, “Many presidents have come here, but none said this was not what Nigeria needed because they lacked your courage and vision.”
He underscored the necessity of enforcing payment for the use of the facility, warning that it would not be made available for free under any guise, whether for official functions or private events.
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, added his voice in support, hailing the naming of various halls within the Centre after the leaders of the three arms of government as a testament to the collaborative spirit fostered under the current administration.
The reopening of the renamed Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre marks one of several capital projects scheduled for commissioning as part of activities commemorating the President’s second year in office.
