The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has strongly defended the N39 billion spent on refurbishing the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre (BTICC), noting that the facility has already begun to yield remarkable financial returns.
Speaking at his monthly media briefing held at his Life Camp residence on Thursday, July 3, 2025, Barr. Wike revealed that since the centre’s recommissioning on June 10, 2025, it has generated an impressive N650 million in revenue within three weeks. This figure sharply contrasts with he meagre N50 million previously remitted annually to the FCTA by the former operator of the centre.
“The previous operator paid only N50 million per year. Today, just three weeks post-commissioning, we’ve generated N650 million. That speaks volumes about how resources were previously mismanaged,” the Minister stated.
Barr. Wike also justified naming the conference centre after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attributing the project’s completion to the President’s determined leadership. He drew attention to other national institutions named after prominent Nigerians who did not necessarily initiate their construction, including the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
Describing the upgraded BTICC as a “gateway to Nigeria,” he stated that the centre is fully booked for events through 2027, which he sees as a public endorsement of the project’s quality and utility. “This shows that when the government builds with quality, the people will respond positively,” Wike said.
Addressing critics who speculated that future administrations might rename the facility, Wike emphasized that this was a fresh project, not a renamed one. He further stressed the importance of recognizing national leaders while they are still alive, advocating a shift from the culture of only honouring citizens posthumously.
The Minister also addressed concerns over the FCTA’s role in constructing a new office annex for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to him, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has historically been responsible for building public offices across Abuja, including the current INEC headquarters. He insisted that the new project was consistent with this responsibility and not an attempt to interfere with INEC’s autonomy.
“Even the INEC building they currently occupy was constructed by FCDA. Providing public infrastructure is within our mandate. So, there is nothing unusual about what we’ve done,” he clarified.
Reflecting on the progress made under his tenure, Wike noted that the current administration had commissioned more infrastructure projects in a short period than any previous one. He expressed confidence that the coming year would witness even more developments, as residents continue to request more services across the FCT.
Touching on the issue of the prolonged strike by primary school teachers in the FCT, Wike explained efforts undertaken to resolve the situation.
He revealed that negotiations with the NUT, Area Council Chairmen, and NANS representatives led to a partial settlement using portions of the Area Councils’ Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). However, he acknowledged the constitutional limitations posed by the councils’ autonomy.
Regarding the broader financial commitments of the FCTA, Wike lamented the heavy wage burden on the Administration. He revealed that the cost of salary payments often exceeds the FCT’s monthly allocation from the federal government. “If we channel all our funds to salaries, then we’ll have no money left for roads, schools, or hospitals. It’s a difficult balance,” he noted.
He condemned the recent locking of his office gate by unionized staff over salary issues, describing the move as regrettable and counterproductive. Wike reiterated his openness to dialogue, but warned that threats and intimidation would not be tolerated in lieu of formal engagement.
Speaking on public security, the Minister said that the FCTA, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, has made significant strides in curbing street begging and tackling the notorious “one-chance” robbery syndicates. While total elimination of crime is difficult, he emphasized that crime rates have decreased considerably due to proactive measures.
In response to allegations that he allocated land to his children, Wike firmly denied the accusations, labeling them politically motivated fabrications. He attributed the rumours to opponents in Adamawa State and challenged them to provide concrete proof. “Let them show evidence,” he said, downplaying the relevance of any investigative committee reportedly set up by the presidency.
On his reconciliation with suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Wike confirmed that peace has been restored in the state. However, he declined to elaborate on the peace terms, suggesting that what mattered was the current stability.
Commenting on an alleged plot by opposition parties to destabilize the federal government, the Minister dismissed such efforts as being driven by selfish political interests. He urged Nigerians to remain focused on the tangible progress being made under President Tinubu’s leadership.
“While Nigeria still faces challenges, there is no denying that President Tinubu is taking courageous steps to move the country forward,” heconcluded.
