ABUJA, Nigeria — The Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC), one of Nigeria’s most prominent venues for high-level government functions and international events, has been renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, following a major renovation project commissioned by the federal government.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike announced the renaming on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, during the official commissioning ceremony of the refurbished facility, which has undergone structural and aesthetic upgrades at a reported cost of ₦39 billion.
Constructed in 1991 under the administration of former military president Ibrahim Babangida, the centre has served as a hub for diplomatic meetings, trade exhibitions, and official ceremonies.
Speaking at the event, Wike said the renamed structure now stands as a “world-class” facility that demands regular upkeep.
“This conference centre was built in 1991 under the military government. Since that time, nothing has happened to this International Conference Centre,” Wike stated.
“Last year, you [Tinubu] came here to inaugurate the ECOWAS parliament. It was an embarrassment for a country to have this as the ICC and you said, ‘How can we have this as the ICC?’ That shows leadership. You said next time you come here, you want to see a different International Conference Centre.”
The FCT Minister attributed the successful renovation to President Tinubu’s intervention and direction, noting that the transformation was completed within eight months.
“Without your leadership, it wouldn’t have been possible,” he added.
Wike further explained that while the primary structure now bears the president’s name, individual halls within the centre have also been renamed in honour of key federal officials, reflecting the administration’s commitment to intergovernmental collaboration.
“Since it is under you [Tinubu], the halls should bear smaller names. However, the main structure should remain the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre,” Wike said.
“We have named one hall after Tajudeen Abbas, another after Godswill Akpabio, and one after the Vice President. We also named a hall after the Chief Justice of Nigeria. This represents the three arms of government working together.”
