Bola Tinubu Conference Centre Fully Booked Until 2027, Says Wike

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja is fully booked until 2027, according to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike. This announcement comes after the newly renovated and renamed facility was inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu on June 10, 2025, sparking both praise and controversy.

Renovation and Renaming Draw Criticism

The ICC, formerly known as the Abuja International Conference Centre, underwent a significant renovation, costing approximately ₦39 billion. This renovation and subsequent renaming after President Tinubu drew criticism from prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. Critics argued that the funds could have been better allocated to other pressing national needs, particularly within the education sector.

Wike Defends Renovation, Highlights Demand

Despite the criticisms, Minister Wike has defended the renovation, emphasizing the high demand for the facility. Speaking at the inauguration of the Kugbo Bus Terminal in Abuja on Thursday, June 26, 2025, Wike stated, "You know, Nigerians pretend. They like good things, but they will pretend as if they don’t. That Conference Centre has been booked now till 2027, no space." He further revealed that he is currently seeking ways to accommodate a request from the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review to utilize the center.

National Assembly Use Not Exempt from Fees

Wike clarified that even the National Assembly, responsible for passing the FCT's budgets, would not be exempt from paying to use the ICC. He emphasized the importance of sustaining the facility, stating, "There’s nothing like it’s the National Assembly. You have to pay something for us to sustain the facility. Yes, you are helping us to pass our budget, but it’s not for that area. We have to do it very well. Yes, you are passing the budget, which is part of your function, but the sustainability is key, because you won’t like it to be what it used to be before."

Senate President Appeals for Constitutional Review Confab

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, representing President Tinubu at the Kugbo Bus Terminal inauguration, appealed to Wike to find a way to accommodate the National Assembly's Constitutional Review Conference. Akpabio jokingly suggested refunding existing bookings to ensure the center is available for the confab. "Please find a way to return the money to those who booked, we will pay. Because we need that space to also showcase to the world. We are inviting a lot of international people, we would like them to see the good things in Nigeria," Akpabio said.

Expert Perspective: Balancing Infrastructure Development with Societal Needs

Dr. Adebayo Olukoshi, a political economy analyst at the Institute for Development Studies, argues that the controversy surrounding the ICC renovation highlights a broader challenge in Nigeria: balancing infrastructure development with pressing societal needs. "While a modern conference center is undoubtedly a valuable asset, the timing and scale of the investment raise legitimate questions," Dr. Olukoshi states. "The government must demonstrate a clear commitment to addressing critical issues such as education and healthcare alongside infrastructure projects to ensure equitable development and public trust."

Historical Context: Conference Centers and National Image

The construction and renovation of conference centers in Nigeria have historically been linked to projecting a positive national image and attracting international events. The Abuja International Conference Centre, before its recent renovation, had served as a venue for numerous high-profile events, including African Union summits and international conferences. However, these investments have often been scrutinized, particularly during periods of economic hardship or when other sectors are perceived to be underfunded. The current debate surrounding the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre reflects this ongoing tension between showcasing national progress and addressing fundamental societal needs.

Analyst Viewpoint: Revenue Generation Potential

Financial analyst, Chioma Eze, believes that while the initial investment was substantial, the ICC’s full booking schedule signals potential for significant revenue generation. “If managed effectively, the conference center could become a valuable asset, attracting international events and boosting the local economy,” Eze explains. “However, transparency in revenue management and a clear plan for reinvesting profits into other critical sectors will be essential to quell ongoing criticism.”

Moving Forward: Transparency and Sustainable Management

The situation surrounding the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre underscores the importance of transparency and sustainable management in public projects. While the facility's full booking schedule indicates strong demand, addressing concerns about prioritization and ensuring equitable distribution of resources will be crucial for building public support and achieving long-term success.