The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that the newly refurbished Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja has generated ₦700 million in just three weeks.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service to mark the completion of various FCT projects on Sunday, Wike said the centre, which was previously underperforming, underwent a ₦39 billion renovation and now contributes significantly to government revenue.
“Before President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the centre was poorly managed. The previous operator, from Adamawa, paid only ₦50 million annually to the government,” Wike stated.
“When Mr President visited, he said the facility was an eyesore and unbefitting of the capital. We shut it down and completed its renovation in six to seven months.”
Wike emphasised the stark revenue difference: “Within three weeks of reopening, the centre has already generated over ₦700 million—compared to ₦50 million annually under the previous management.”
Critics Lack Taste, Says Minister
The minister criticised those opposing the facility’s renaming and rehabilitation, calling them individuals without “good taste.”
He added, “These are the same people who now claim they want to rescue Nigeria. But when they had power for eight or twenty years, they failed to bring development or infrastructure to their own states.”
Wike argued that public anger against the current administration was ironic. “When they were in office, people were not angry. Now that they’re out, they suddenly remember Nigeria needs rescuing.”
Treasury Reform Boosted FCT Projects
He credited President Tinubu’s decision to remove the FCT from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) for the recent development surge across Abuja.
“Previously, it was difficult for the FCT to access funds. But now, with the President’s directive, we can secure commercial loans using our revenue as collateral. That’s why you’re seeing projects everywhere,” he said.
On Naming and National Icons
Wike responded to critics who opposed renaming the conference centre after President Tinubu, noting that national assets are often named after individuals regardless of whether they built them.
“Nnamdi Azikiwe didn’t build the international airport named after him. The same applies to Moshood Abiola Stadium. What matters is the symbol they represent,” he argued.
He concluded that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre reflects Nigeria’s stature as the Giant of Africa: “We want the best for this country, and the President has delivered it.”