By Emmanuel Olagunju
President Bola Tinubu has directed that all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the government to henceforth pay for the use of the newly renovated International Conference Center (Abuja).
The president gave the directive on Tuesday during the official opening of the center in Abuja.
On the occasion, the Minister, Federal Capital Territory , Abuja, Nyesom Wike announced that the Centre, which first opened in 1991, will now be named the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
President Tinubu said further that payment for usage of the center by all and sundry is essential for the upkeep of the facility.
President Tinubu reflected on his previous visit to the centre during the 2024 ECOWAS Parliament conference, expressing dissatisfaction with its condition.
He speaks further “When I attended the ECOWAS Parliament conference, the environment was dirty, disorganized, and uninhabitable.
The President emphasized the centre’s significance in Nigeria’s broader vision to become a hub for regional diplomacy, continental trade discussions, and global partnerships.
President Tinubu commended Julius Berger Nigeria PLC for their outstanding renovation work, acknowledging their longstanding reputation for excellence.
While advising the FCT Minister to continue the good work embarked upon and ignore destructive criticism, the president reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure across key sectors, including transportation, healthcare, education, energy, and urban development.
Also speaking, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, lauded the collaborative spirit among the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
In his remarks, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, emphasized the need for financial discipline, noting that all users must contribute to the maintenance and sustainability of the facility.
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre is one of several capital projects scheduled for commissioning by President Tinubu as part of his second anniversary celebrations.
