Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has officially renamed the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC) in honor of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The announcement was made during the commissioning of the newly completed structure by President Tinubu himself on Tuesday in Abuja.
The facility, now known as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, was described by Wike as a world-class venue that reflects both architectural excellence and national significance. The renaming comes as part of a broader effort to recognize the contributions of President Tinubu to the development of the Federal Capital Territory and the country at large.
Minister Wike emphasized the importance of preserving the quality and functionality of the conference centre, noting that it would require consistent maintenance. He stated that usage of the facility would not be free, regardless of an individual’s social status. According to him, all users, irrespective of their rank or position in society, will be required to pay for access to the venue in order to ensure its sustainability.
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President Tinubu, who was present at the commissioning event, did not immediately respond to the honor during the public proceedings. However, his attendance at the unveiling ceremony marked a key endorsement of the structure’s completion and its renaming.
The decision to rename the centre is part of a trend in the Tinubu administration and among his allies to recognize the president’s ongoing political influence and his role in national governance. This move is also seen as an effort by Minister Wike to demonstrate loyalty and support for the president, particularly amid ongoing political realignments within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Located in the heart of Abuja, the conference centre has historically served as a venue for major national and international events. It has hosted summits, government functions, and diplomatic gatherings since its establishment. The structure, following recent refurbishments, is now being positioned as a modern facility capable of accommodating high-profile events with upgraded amenities.
Wike stressed that the renaming was a symbolic gesture aimed at immortalizing Tinubu’s leadership and the infrastructural strides made under his administration. He described the completion and naming of the centre as part of a broader mission to enhance the image of the FCT and attract global attention to its development.
In recent months, Wike has led various infrastructure projects across Abuja, with a strong emphasis on urban renewal and modernization. The completion of the conference centre aligns with this broader agenda, which includes road expansions, public space improvements, and security upgrades within the capital.
The move has sparked mixed reactions across political and public spaces. While supporters of the administration have welcomed the development as a deserved tribute to the president, critics argue that national monuments should maintain nonpartisan identities and be free from the influence of current political office holders.
There has been no official statement from the presidency regarding the renaming beyond the president’s participation in the event. It is also unclear whether further administrative steps will be required to formalize the name change across official records and signage.
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre now stands as a prominent symbol in the capital, both in name and design. The minister concluded his remarks by reaffirming the FCT administration’s commitment to maintaining infrastructure standards and ensuring that public facilities are accessible yet financially sustainable.
