Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre has generated N650 million in revenue within just three weeks of its inauguration.
Wike disclosed this during a media parley on Thursday, stating that the centre underwent a complete renovation, excluding only the demolition of the original structure.
“The only thing we didn’t do in that structure was to bring the whole thing down,” Wike said.
He contrasted the current earnings with the previous revenue, revealing that the FCT used to receive just N50 million annually from the centre before the renovation.
“Now let me tell you how this country works. The man they gave it to was paying N50 million to the FCT every year,” Wike said. “That place was commissioned on June 10, and the revenue made within three weeks was N650 million. Why? People love good things.”
Wike said the centre gained immediate popularity after President Bola Tinubu hosted the ECOWAS heads of state there, drawing praise from foreign diplomats.
“Go and see the comments from ambassadors. People are rushing that place now. In fact, there’s no space. As I speak, it has been booked up to 2027,” he said.
Responding to criticism over his decision to shut down the facility for renovation, Wike said he was unfazed by political backlash and questioned those opposing the naming of the centre after President Tinubu.
“This country is such that if you pay attention to frivolities, you won’t achieve anything,” he said. “And now you’re saying, why did I name it after Tinubu. Who should I name it after? Who is more qualified?”
The FCT administration has faced scrutiny for spending N39 billion on the centre’s upgrade, with many also faulting the decision to name the facility after the president.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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