Wike defends ₦39bn conference center renovation, says critics “lack taste”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the ₦39 billion renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, insisting the upgrade was thorough and reflective of Nigeria’s stature as the “Giant of Africa.”

Speaking during the commissioning of the newly constructed Left-Hand Service Carriageway in Abuja, Wike dismissed criticism of the project’s cost and scope. He stated that aside from the original block structure, every other aspect of the facility had been overhauled.

“The only thing left untouched in the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre is the block work.

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Everything else was changed,” he said. Responding to objections over renaming the centre, Wike pointed out that many landmarks in the country were named after individuals who did not build them.

“Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was not built by Azikiwe. Moshood Abiola Stadium was not built by Abiola,” he argued. Wike also cited inflation and currency devaluation as justification for the project’s cost, contrasting the original ₦240 million spent in 1991 with today’s economic realities.

“We have taste. We want the best for the country, and the president has delivered the best,” he declared. Reaffirming his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, under whose administration the renovation took place, Wike added: “If you failed to defend your boss when you had the chance, that’s your problem. I have done it, and I have no regrets.”