Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), says those criticising the N39 billion spent renovating the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC) “do not have good taste”.
The minister spoke on Friday at the inauguration of the newly constructed left-hand service carriageway in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
In March, Wike announced that the FCT administration was spending N39 billion to renovate the centre which has now been renamed after President Bola Tinubu after it was inaugurated on Tuesday.
The FCT administration came under criticism over the money spent renovating the facility.
According to Channels Television, Wike said, “The only thing in that International Conference Centre that was not changed is just the block work.”
“Everything in that Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre was changed,” he added.
“Nigeria, as the Giant of Africa, must not only show that it is the giant of Africa; people must see what makes you to be the giant of Africa. Nobody who loves this country would criticise the International Conference Centre.
“They said we did not name the International Conference Centre after someone who built it. Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport was not built by Nnamdi Azikwe. Moshood Abiola International Stadium was not built by Moshood Abiola.”
Wike also carpeted those who said the centre was built with N240 million in 1991 but refurbished with N39 billion in 2025.
“What was the exchange rate in 1991? Compare the exchange rate to what we have in 2025,” the minister said.
“We have taste; we want the best for the country, and the president has given the best for the country.
“If you did not do well to defend your boss when you had the opportunity, it is your business. I am here, and I will defend my boss.
“I have done it, and I have no regret at all.”
