Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, has strongly condemned the Federal Government’s decision to spend ₦39 billion on the renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja. Obi described the expenditure as a gross misallocation of public funds at a time when the country is facing urgent developmental challenges, particularly in the education sector.
Speaking on Wednesday, Obi argued that the funds allocated for the ICC renovation could have been redirected to more impactful uses, such as addressing the critical needs of Nigerian schoolchildren. According to him, the money would have had far greater value if invested in improving the nation’s educational infrastructure.
Obi emphasized that thousands of schools across Nigeria lack basic learning facilities, including computers, which are essential in equipping students with digital skills necessary for the modern world. He stated that ₦39 billion could have been used to provide thousands of computers and other educational resources to underfunded schools across the country.
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He said, “The ₦39 billion used to renovate the International Conference Centre would have been better spent on addressing urgent issues affecting Nigerian schoolchildren, who are in desperate need of such investment.”
Continuing, he added, “That kind of money could have procured thousands of computers for schools across Nigeria, helping to empower the next generation of leaders.”
Obi questioned the government’s priorities, noting that the focus on lavish infrastructure upgrades in non-essential areas shows a disconnect from the reality faced by ordinary Nigerians. He insisted that public funds should be directed toward projects that have a tangible and widespread impact on citizens’ welfare.
The former Anambra State governor has consistently advocated for increased investment in education and youth development, often citing the correlation between educational access and national progress. He reiterated that in a country where millions of children are out of school and many public institutions remain in dilapidated condition, renovating a conference center at such high cost sends the wrong message.
Many Nigerians have expressed similar concerns on social media, echoing Obi’s sentiments and questioning the rationale behind such a large allocation for a facility that is not directly tied to the urgent socio-economic needs of the populace. Critics argue that the renovation reflects a broader trend of misplaced governmental spending at a time when Nigeria faces mounting economic hardship and rising poverty levels.
The International Conference Centre, located in Abuja, is a major venue for high-profile meetings and events, including international summits and government conferences. While proponents of the renovation argue that maintaining such infrastructure is necessary for national prestige and administrative operations, detractors like Obi maintain that prestige should not come at the expense of basic public needs.
Obi’s remarks have added to ongoing national conversations about fiscal responsibility and prioritization of public spending. The debate comes amid growing calls for transparency and accountability in how public resources are allocated, especially in sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure that directly affect the lives of everyday citizens.
As the government continues with the ICC renovation project, the backlash underscores the wider dissatisfaction among Nigerians over perceived insensitivity to pressing domestic challenges. Obi’s criticism is part of a broader push for reform in public sector planning and expenditure, aimed at ensuring that national budgets reflect the country’s most urgent developmental priorities.
