President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday officially inaugurated the newly rehabilitated International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, reiterating his administration’s strong commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s critical infrastructure as part of efforts to stimulate economic growth and national development.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, President Tinubu emphasised that infrastructure renewal is a cornerstone of his Renewed Hope Agenda. He described modern infrastructure as essential for a thriving economy and inclusive society.
“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 stated.
Highlighting the strategic significance of the International Conference Centre, Tinubu said the facility plays a central role in positioning Nigeria as a hub for regional diplomacy, trade, and global partnerships.
“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,” he added.
President Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for fulfilling his promise to rehabilitate the once-neglected conference venue. He urged Wike to remain focused despite 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,” he told the minister.
Recalling his earlier visit to the ICC during the ECOWAS Parliament Conference, the President described the facility’s previous state as “very dirty, disorganized, and uninhabitable,” expressing his disappointment at the time.
“I asked, ‘Have we sunk this low?’” Tinubu recounted, adding that Wike assured him then that the centre would be transformed.
“Today, I am very happy,” he said, lauding the quality of 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.”
President Tinubu further described the revamped ICC as a symbol of national renewal and a testament to self-belief and the country’s progress.
“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 declared.
Concluding his remarks, the President issued a light-hearted but firm directive: “You must obey what the landlord says. You want to use this place, you got to pay for it.”
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