Oluwatosin Enesi
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has officially renamed the newly renovated Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC) after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Originally constructed in 1991 under the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, the AICC has long served as a venue for government events, international conferences, and trade exhibitions. Now, following a comprehensive facelift, the facility will be known as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
During the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, Wike described the revamped structure as a “world-class” facility that requires consistent maintenance to retain its standard.
In addition to the main renaming, Wike revealed that various halls within the complex have been named after prominent government figures. These include:
Tajudeen Abbas (Speaker of the House of Representatives)
Godswill Akpabio (Senate President)
Vice President Kashim Shettima
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola
“These names reflect the three arms of government working together in unity,” Wike said.
The minister emphasized the reason behind the renaming, citing President Tinubu’s leadership and vision. He recalled Tinubu’s 2023 visit to the AICC during the ECOWAS Parliament inauguration, where the president reportedly expressed disappointment over the state of the facility.
“You said next time you come here, you want to see a different International Conference Centre. Within eight months, this is what we have achieved—thanks to your leadership,” Wike stated.
The renovation, which began shortly after that visit, was announced in March to have cost ₦39 billion.
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