Wike Announces N39bn Rehabilitation Project for ICC
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that his administration has launched a N39 billion rehabilitation project for the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja.
Speaking on Wednesday after inspecting key projects in the FCT, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of the ICC rehabilitation and ongoing road construction efforts. He confirmed that all necessary materials were on-site, with the work currently 70 to 80 percent complete. The contractors, Julius Berger, assured him that the project would be finished and handed over by May.
“I am pleased with the progress. Julius Berger has assured us that they will complete the project. The total cost of the rehabilitation is N39 billion, not N39 million,” Wike emphasized.
He further clarified that, when evaluating progress, it’s important to consider both the amount of work completed and the materials already on-site. “With everything in place, I can confidently say that 70 to 80 percent of the work is done, and they’ve committed to finishing and handing it over by May.”
Wike also highlighted the significance of having a world-class conference center for a nation as large as Nigeria. “For our country, we cannot talk about having a world-class conference center if we do not meet global standards. When we travel abroad, we see how things are done. Why should our own be any different?”
He praised President Bola Tinubu for his support of the project, adding, “We are committed to providing Nigerians with the best, and I thank God for the President’s backing. He made sure this project went forward, ensuring Nigeria has an international conference center worthy of our stature as a nation.”
Wike expressed optimism that by May 2025, President Tinubu would formally recommission the rehabilitated ICC. He concluded, “If we didn’t have a president with foresight, this situation might have persisted for many years. Other presidents came and went, but no one considered upgrading the ICC to reflect our status. However, under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are ensuring that this nation gets the best, and this project is proof of that commitment.”
