Abuja, Nigeria – A historic transformation has taken place in Nigeria’s capital as authorities officially rebranded the long-standing Abuja International Conference Centre, now christened the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, in tribute to the sitting president.
During a formal unveiling ceremony led by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike announced the new name and underscored a renewed vision for the facility’s relevance and sustainability.
Calling the newly refurbished centre a “world-class venue befitting international standards,” Wike emphasized the need for rigorous maintenance and equitable access policies. “It doesn’t matter who you are — usage must come with responsibility. Everyone must pay to use this place. That’s how we preserve its value,” he stated.
Once a prestigious edifice erected in 1991 under the Ibrahim Babangida military administration, the conference centre had in recent decades declined in both structure and status. Years of neglect left it underused, a shadow of its former importance as a national venue for international diplomacy, political summits, and economic forums.
In March, the FCT administration revealed that the revitalization of the centre would require a massive investment of ₦39 billion, sparking both public scrutiny and commendation for the bold restoration initiative.
The renaming of the facility signals not just a cosmetic change but a broader effort by the Tinubu administration to align key national monuments with contemporary governance ideals, including accountability, modernization, and national pride.
As the capital city undergoes rapid development, this move reflects a deepening commitment to restoring landmark institutions and ensuring they meet global operational benchmarks — both in function and in form.
