President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday reopened the renovated Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC) and directed all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to pay for the use of the facility to ensure its upkeep and long-term sustainability.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, announced the renaming of the centre at the event, according to a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.

Mr Tinubu recounted his shock at how “dirty, disorganised and uninhabitable” the environment was during his visit to the centre during the 2024 ECOWAS Parliament conference.

“The International Conference Centre is part of our country’s larger vision to become a hub for regional diplomacy, continental trade discussions, global partnerships, and other thoughtful, well-outlined goals that reflect our ‘Nigeria First’ principle,” Mr Tinubu said.

He praised Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, the original contractor, for delivering a high-quality renovation, adding that the quality reflects what Julius Berger has been known for in the country for years.

Mr Tinubu further assured Nigerians of his administration’s determination to revitalise infrastructure across key sectors, including transportation, healthcare, education, energy, and urban development.

He commended Mr Wike for completing the renovation within one year of the centre’s closure.

Applauding Mr Wike for his vision and execution, Mr Tinubu said, “Do not pay attention to the busybodies and bystanders. Whatever they say, continue your good work. You are a transformational leader with foresight, vision and determination.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the FCT Administration for naming halls at the centre after him, the speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

He lauded the collaborative spirit between the executive, legislature, and judiciary under President Tinubu’s leadership.

Mr Wike said the FCT transformed the facility within eight months after the president’s directive.

“Mr President, this transformation would not have been possible without your leadership. Many presidents have come here, but none said this was not what Nigeria needed because they lacked your courage and vision,” he said.

Mr Wike stressed the need for financial discipline in maintaining the newly upgraded facility.

“Whether you are a ministry or an agency, you must pay something to use this facility. That is the only way we can sustain it. No such thing as ‘my brother’ or ‘my sister’ wants to use it for a wedding. If you want to use a beautiful place like this, you must pay something,” he said.

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre is among several capital projects scheduled for commissioning in the FCT by the president. This is part of the activities marking his second anniversary in office.

(NAN)