Wike Defends ₦39bn Conference Centre Renovation, Dismisses Critics as “Lacking Taste”.
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- Wike Defends ₦39bn Conference Centre Renovation, Dismisses Critics as “Lacking Taste”.
Wike Defends ₦39bn Conference Centre Renovation, Dismisses Critics as “Lacking Taste”.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the ₦39 bi
llion renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, describing the upgrade as necessary and extensive. Speaking on Friday, Wike noted that aside from the building’s basic structure, everything within the centre was replaced.
He addressed criticism surrounding the cost, saying it was unjustified given rising commodity prices and currency depreciation since the centre was originally constructed for ₦240 million in 1991 under the regime of Ibrahim Babangida.
Wike also responded to backlash over renaming the facility after President Bola Tinubu, who officially commissioned the refurbished centre on June 10, 2025. Critics, including former Senator Shehu Sani, had argued the centre should have been named after Babangida, who oversaw its original construction.
The only thing we didn’t change was the block work. Everything else is new,” Wike said. “Those criticising the project clearly don’t have good taste.”
He added that national landmarks are often named after influential figures, regardless of whether they initiated the project. “The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was not built by Azikiwe, and the Moshood Abiola Stadium was not built by Abiola.”
Wike defended the cost comparison with the 1991 construction, citing significant changes in the exchange rate and inflation over the years. “Compare the naira’s value in 1991 to what it is now.
He concluded by saying the renovation reflects Nigeria’s image as the “Giant of Africa” and that he has no regrets supporting the president in this endeavour. If you couldn’t defend your leader while in office, that’s your business. I will defend my boss with pride.
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Faith Kegh
Content & Editorial Manager - Leads the creation, review, and publication of high-quality news and media content. She ensures that all editorial work reflects the organization’s standards of accuracy, professionalism, and relevance, while also engaging and informing the audience.
As the key driver of TokinPoint Media LTD's editorial voice, the manager oversees content planning, assigns tasks to writers or editors, enforces deadlines, and ensures consistency across all platforms. She also plays a strategic role in aligning content with audience interests and search engine optimization (SEO) best practices.