By Samuel Adeola
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has fired back at critics questioning the N39 billion renovation of the Abuja International Conference Centre, declaring that “those complaining do not have good taste.”
Wike made the remarks on Friday while commissioning a new road project in Abuja.
The conference centre, recently renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, was unveiled earlier in the week following extensive renovations.
The project has faced public scrutiny since its cost was announced in March, with many Nigerians questioning the N39 billion price tag, especially when compared to the reported N240 million used to construct the original building in 1991.
Addressing the backlash, Wike insisted the cost was justified given the scale of the upgrade.
“The only thing in that International Conference Centre that was not changed is just the block work. Everything else was replaced,” he said.
He dismissed allegations of inflated costs, citing economic realities. “What was the exchange rate in 1991? Compare it to what we have in 2025,” he argued. “No patriotic Nigerian would criticise what we have done. The transformation reflects Nigeria’s status as the Giant of Africa.”
On the naming of the building after President Tinubu, Wike dismissed suggestions that only the original builder should be honoured.
“Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was not built by Nnamdi Azikiwe. Moshood Abiola Stadium was not built by Moshood Abiola,” he noted.
Wike also reaffirmed his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating, “I am here, and I will defend my boss. I have done it, and I have no regret at all.”
The minister’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about fiscal responsibility and infrastructure spending under the Tinubu administration.
