President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to revamping critical infrastructure across key sectors of the Nigerian economy as a strategic foundation for national development.
He made this declaration during the commissioning of the newly rehabilitated International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, which has now been renamed the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President emphasized that infrastructure renewal lies at the heart of his Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA), which aims to stimulate sustainable economic growth and improve national productivity.
“Modern infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving economy. Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are determined to renew infrastructure in transportation, healthcare, education, energy, and urban development,” he said.
The President described the revitalisation of the ICC as a symbol of national transformation, reflecting his administration’s broader vision to establish Nigeria as a hub for continental diplomacy, global partnerships, and regional trade.
“This centre represents Nigeria’s growing stature and ambition. Our vision is to make Nigeria the epicenter of serious international discourse and diplomacy,” Tinubu noted.
He praised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for delivering on his promise to upgrade the ICC, urging him to remain focused despite public criticisms.
“Ignore the noise of busybodies. Stay on course. You have demonstrated leadership, vision, and commitment,” Tinubu told Wike.
Recalling his disappointment during a previous visit to the centre for the ECOWAS Parliament session, the President described the facility as having been in a deplorable state—“dirty, disorganised, and unfit.” He commended the transformation, saying:
“Today, we’re not talking about renegotiation but rehabilitation—with quality, attention to detail, and purpose.”
Tinubu further remarked that the rehabilitation of the ICC stands as a testament to Nigeria’s ethos of self-belief and renewal, asserting:
“We are correcting what went wrong. We are reflecting and renewing our hope. Nigeria can still become the greatest nation on earth.”
In a light but firm closing, he declared that usage of the new facility would no longer be free: “You must pay to use this place. That’s the rule—no exceptions.”
The tour of the upgraded facility revealed a modernised centre initially built in 1991, now elevated to global standards.
At the event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio applauded both Tinubu and Wike for the successful execution of the project, recalling the embarrassment faced during last year’s ECOWAS session due to the poor state of the facility.
“We managed with a small generator. The place was dark, embarrassing, and unfit. Mr. President, you were shocked and asked, ‘Is this what we’re showing West Africa?’ Minister Wike immediately promised change—and here we are,” Akpabio recounted.
He also noted that several halls in the ICC have been renamed to reflect Nigeria’s three arms of government, including halls named after himself, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, symbolising unity and collaboration under Tinubu’s leadership.
FCT Minister Wike reiterated that the facility is a world-class structure that must be sustained through proper funding. He warned that no government agency or official should expect free use of the centre, regardless of status.
“This is a first-class facility. Maintenance requires funds. No more free usage—everyone, ministries and individuals alike, must pay,” Wike said.
He further revealed that political interference had previously stalled the project, with a politician who mismanaged the centre taking legal action to stop the rehabilitation. He thanked President Tinubu for standing firm amid pressure.
“Your leadership made this possible. When real leadership emerges, results follow. You gave us the courage to go ahead despite resistance.”
Also in attendance were Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and several top government officials who hailed the renovation as a clear example of transformative governance in action.