Abuja International Conference Centre Ready for a Fresh Start
The long-closed Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC) is about to get a new lease on life. After being out of service since April 2024 because of shoddy care and management, the facility is scheduled to reopen with a bang on June 10, 2025. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has made it clear: things will be different this time.
During his recent tour of the ICC and some key road projects nearby, Wike shared that the centre has already undergone a major facelift under the watchful eye of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. The building isn’t just getting a new coat of paint and some modern gadgets—it’s even getting a new identity. Now officially named the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, the revamp is meant to wipe away the memory of the neglect that saw the facility shuttered in the first place.
Changing How Nigeria Handles Public Infrastructure
Wike didn’t mince words about why the ICC closed. The former managers, Integrated Facility Management Services Limited, were shown the door after the facility slipped into disrepair. Instead of just patching things up and hoping for the best, Wike handed oversight to Julius Berger—a company known for its tough standards and track record. That’s not all: even after renovations, Julius Berger will stick around to handle maintenance. Wike insists this is non-negotiable, calling it a way to sidestep “political interference” and keep things running smoothly.
So what does that mean for Nigerians using the ICC? For starters, anyone booking the space will now be expected to pay for its upkeep directly. Say goodbye to venues falling apart from overuse and underfunding. The logic is simple: people take better care of things when they have some skin in the game. And the centre is being outfitted with up-to-date technology, so local staff are getting fresh training to handle everything from smart systems to advanced security setups.
Wike was open about his hopes that the ICC’s new management model would set a template. With Nigeria’s struggle to maintain public infrastructure often making headlines, he’s betting on these changes to show a different path forward. He’s not just talking tough, either; the minister promised consequences for civil servants who don’t pull their weight, saying discipline is on the table for underperformance.
The reopening of the Abuja International Conference Centre isn’t happening in isolation. The June ceremony will see other major infrastructure projects rolled out—new roads, bridges, and more. With President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima tipped to attend, it’s more than just a ribbon cutting. It’s a signal that Abuja is ready to operate at a higher standard, with tighter controls and accountability at every step.
Wike’s gamble is clear: break the cycle of neglect and politicization, and maybe—just maybe—the capital’s public buildings can finally live up to their promise.
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