The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has renamed the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC) in honor of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, June 10, during the official commissioning of the renovated facility by the president in Abuja. Wike declared that the facility will now be known as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, describing it as a world-class structure that requires consistent upkeep.
He emphasized that all individuals or organizations using the centre will be required to pay usage and maintenance fees, regardless of status.
The Conference Centre had previously been shut down by the FCT Administration in April 2024 for an initial eight-month closure. All pre-scheduled events were canceled, with Wike citing poor maintenance under the previous managers, Integrated Facility Management Services Limited.
The renovation contract was re-awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, with the minister stating that, upon completion, the centre would be handed over to the Abuja Investment Company Limited for operational oversight.
During his remarks, Wike highlighted the chronic issue of poor maintenance culture in Nigeria and stressed that this would no longer be the case with the conference centre.
“The centre will be maintained by Julius Berger, the original contractors,” Wike said. “We are not handing it over to any politician. Maintenance has always been a challenge in this country, but this time, we are determined to get it right.”
He added that a formal maintenance agreement would soon be finalized with Julius Berger to ensure the facility remains in top condition.
“The staff working here are Nigerians who have been properly trained, and the technology installed is not too complex. The provider will handle its upkeep. Once the agreement is signed, all users will be required to contribute to the maintenance through service fees,” Wike noted.
Operations at the newly commissioned Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre are expected to commence shortly.
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