President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially commissioned the newly renovated International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja today, reinforcing his administration’s strong resolve to revamp critical infrastructure nationwide as a strategy to boost economic advancement and national progress.
During the reopening ceremony, President Tinubu emphasized that infrastructure renewal is a central pillar of his Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting that modern infrastructure plays a vital role in supporting a robust economy.
“Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are determined to renew infrastructure across the key sectors of this country; transportation, healthcare, education, energy, and urban development. Because we understand that modern infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving economy in an inclusive and progressive society,” the President said.
He further remarked that the facelift of the ICC represents a broader vision to position Nigeria at the forefront of regional commerce, diplomatic relations, and global collaboration.
“The International Conference Centre is part of our country’s larger vision to become a hub for regional diplomacy, continental trade discussions, global partnerships, and many more thoughtful, well-outlined goals that reflect our Nigerian First philosophy,” Tinubu added.
In an open show of appreciation, the President lauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for fulfilling his pledge to restore the once-neglected facility. He advised the Minister to stay undistracted by criticism.
“Don’t pay attention to the busybodies and the bystanders, whatever they say. Continue with your good work. You are a transformational leader, you have the foresight, the vision, and determination to succeed”, Tinubu said, addressing Wike directly.
Reflecting on a past visit to the ICC for the ECOWAS Parliament Conference, Tinubu shared his disappointment at the time, describing the facility then as “filthy, poorly managed, and unfit for use.”
He recounted questioning the state of the building, asking the FCT Minister whether such a condition truly represented Nigeria’s pride and dignity.
“Have we sunk this low?” the President recalled asking, only to be assured by Wike that the facility would be transformed. “And today, I am very happy,” Tinubu declared, praising the quality of the rehabilitation work done by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. “Today, we are not talking about renegotiation, we are talking about rehabilitation. We are talking about quality, commitment to detail and good work. It reflects what Julius Berger has been known for in this country for years”, he said.
Speaking to the broader relevance of the upgrade, the President described the ICC’s rebirth as a representation of national pride, confidence, and renewal.
“Whatever might be wrong today is a sign of a good thing that we are correcting. We are reflecting, renewing our hope, and believing in ourselves — in what we can do, in what Nigeria can be: the greatest nation on earth”, he said.
Closing his remarks with a blend of humor and policy clarity, the President issued a firm directive regarding the newly refurbished national facility: “You must obey what the landlord says. You want to use this place, you got to pay for it.”
