Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has drawn a firm line on the use of the newly renovated International Conference Centre (ICC), declaring that personal relationships or affiliations will not grant anyone free access to the iconic facility.
Wike made this known on Tuesday during the official commissioning of the refurbished ICC by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The centre, originally built under the administration of former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, has now been renamed Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in honour of the President.
According to Wike, the FCT Administration invested N39 billion in the total overhaul of the structure, and every effort must be made to ensure its sustainability—starting with a strict user-pay policy.
“I want to let everybody know, whether you are a ministry or an agency, if you want to use this place, you have to pay something; that’s the only way it can be sustained,” the minister said. “Nothing like ‘my brother or my sister is going to have a wedding’.”
President Tinubu, fresh from the Eid holiday in Lagos, commended Wike for his diligence and focus, describing the upgraded ICC as a reflection of the excellence and resilience of Nigerians.
He urged the minister to remain undistracted, noting that the project showcases the country’s capacity for maintaining world-class standards.
The commissioning marks a new chapter for the conference centre, which is now set to operate under a more professional and financially sustainable framework.
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