‘We have taste, we want best’ – Wike defends ₦39bn renovation of ICC
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has staunchly defended the ₦39 billion spent on renovating the International Conference Centre in Abuja, asserting that the upgrade was both comprehensive and necessary.
Speaking at the commissioning of the newly completed Left-Hand Service Carriageway, Wike highlighted that the entire facility was rebuilt except for the original block structure.
Wike noted that the centre was initially constructed for ₦240 million in 1991 during the regime of former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida, but he justified the current expenditure by pointing to the vast changes in commodity prices over the decades.
On June 10, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inaugurated the revamped facility, which Wike officially renamed the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre.
This decision drew criticism from opposition figures, including former federal lawmaker Shehu Sani, who argued for honoring Babangida instead. Some detractors also questioned the lavish spending on the renovation.
In addressing the critiques, Wike stated, “Those criticising the amount of money spent on the rehabilitation of the International Conference Centre don’t have good taste.” He stressed the need for Nigeria to showcase its status as the “Giant of Africa” through impressive infrastructure.
Wike also challenged those who questioned the naming of the centre, saying, “Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport was not built by Nnamdi Azikwe. Moshood Abiola International Stadium was not built by Moshood Abiola.” He highlighted the need to consider economic realities, asking, “What was the exchange rate in 1991? Compare the exchange rate to what we have in 2025.”
Wike, however, maintained that, “We have taste, we want the best for the country, and the president has given the best for the country.” He expressed confidence in the necessity of the project despite the ongoing debates surrounding its cost and naming.
Source: PUNCH
