The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has officially renamed the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC) as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre during the facility’s commissioning on Tuesday.
He also announced that other halls within the centre would bear the names of prominent government officials including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas, and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kekere-Ekun.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Wike underscored the symbolic significance of the renaming, emphasizing that it reflects the unity of the three arms of government—executive, legislature, and judiciary—working together in the Federal Capital Territory. He also credited President Tinubu’s leadership for the rapid rehabilitation of the centre, noting the facility’s decades-long neglect since its original construction in 1991.
Lawyers have weighed in on the minister’s authority to rename federal government properties, emphasizing that such actions are permissible as long as they receive approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC). As the FCT Minister, Wike is empowered to manage and oversee properties within the territory, provided he adheres to relevant government protocols, including securing FEC endorsement. This ensures that the renaming is legally sound and consistent with federal government policy.
Minister Wike also announced a new policy for the use of the conference centre, declaring that all ministries, agencies, and other government entities must pay fees to use the facility. This policy aims to ensure the centre’s proper maintenance and sustainability, regardless of the user’s social or political status. Wike emphasized that “there will be no free usage,” signaling a departure from past practices.
President Tinubu, who commissioned the rehabilitated centre, praised the minister’s leadership and urged him to disregard criticism from detractors. He said, “Don’t pay attention to the busybodies and bystanders. Whatever they say, continue with your good work. You are a transformational leader.”
The president’s support comes amid recent political controversies surrounding Minister Wike’s comments about former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, whom Wike described as “hungry for power.” This prompted public rebukes from some political commentators and figures, but President Tinubu’s endorsement signals his confidence in Wike’s leadership and decision-making.
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