President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his administration’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing essential infrastructure across Nigeria, as part of his Renewed Hope Agenda.
He gave this assurance on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, while commissioning the newly upgraded International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja. The facility has now been officially renamed Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in recognition of his leadership and efforts to reposition the country.
While addressing attendees at the ceremony, President Tinubu expressed his gratitude and pride at the completed project, describing it as a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s strength, determination, and high standards.
He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, for delivering the project with excellence. In his words:
“Ignore distractions and critics. Stay focused on your impactful work. You are a visionary leader with the drive to deliver results. Thank you.”
The President recounted a previous visit to the ICC during an ECOWAS Parliament meeting, noting how the facility’s dilapidated state had been an embarrassment. At that time, Barrister Wike had pledged to restore it—and has now kept that promise.
He also applauded Julius Berger, the contractors responsible for the project, for delivering high-quality work. “This isn’t just a renovation—it’s a total transformation. It reflects attention to detail and long-standing excellence, values Julius Berger is known for,” Tinubu stated.
Reinforcing the importance of infrastructure in national development, the President highlighted his administration’s continued focus on modernizing key sectors—transportation, healthcare, education, power, and urban development—as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He emphasized that the Conference Centre would play a central role in hosting continental and global events, strengthening Nigeria’s position as a hub for international diplomacy and trade.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Minister Wike’s efforts, calling the transformation of the ICC a major achievement. He recalled its former condition as a national embarrassment, but now a symbol of progress.
Akpabio applauded President Tinubu’s developmental approach, saying:
“The Nigerian legislature is proud of your leadership. We make the budgets, but you ensure effective execution. Your determination to leave Nigeria better than you met it is clear.”
He also supported the decision to name the facility after the President, along with halls named after other key officials—including himself and the Speaker—viewing the gesture as motivation to contribute even more to national development.
Earlier, Minister, Wike explained the renaming was to honor President Tinubu, who had directed the rehabilitation. The facility, originally built in 1991, had been left to deteriorate until the President visited last year and expressed concern over its condition.
“Without your leadership, this wouldn’t have been possible. Many past presidents visited this place but never acted. You gave the directive, and today, this facility meets global standards,” Wike stated.
He also announced that government agencies wishing to use the centre would be required to pay a usage fee. This, he said, is a strategy to ensure the centre’s sustainable maintenance and efficient management.
