FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that the newly renovated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja is fully booked until 2027.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Kugbo Bus Terminal in Abuja, Wike defended the N39 billion spent on the conference centre’s renovation, citing its high demand as proof of its value.
Despite facing criticism for the hefty price tag, with some arguing that the funds could have been better spent on essential sectors like education, Wike emphasized that the centre’s overwhelming bookings validate the investment.
The conference centre has already hosted significant events, including an ECOWAS meeting under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
Wike noted that even government institutions, including the National Assembly, will be required to pay for using the facility to ensure its sustainability.
According to him, people and organisations are now rushing the edifice to hold their events.
“You know Nigerians can pretend. They like good things but they pretend as if they don’t.
“As I speak to you, that conference centre has been booked now till 2027. No space.
“In fact, I saw the application by the Deputy Speaker on constitutional amendment but there is no space, no day, but I’m trying to adjust if he can pay on time, because it’s not free.
“There’s nothing like a national assembly this or that, you have to pay something for us to sustain the facility,” he said.
He commended Tinubu for taking a decisive decision to move the country forward.
Wike noted that there could be some challenges being experienced in the country, adding that that’s the essence of leadership.
According to him, no leader can succeed without taking decisions that might come with criticism.
“No leader can succeed without taking a decision because people will say something – people must say something because even if you don’t take that decision, people will still say something.
“If you take the decision, people will say something. Therefore, do something.
“For me, that’s all about what we are doing in FCT. We are not here to make only big men happy; we are here to make big men and poor people happy.
“That’s what will move this country forward and that’s what the President has shown.”
He explained that the Kugbo bus terminal being inaugurated, alongside its counterpart in Mabushi and that of the Central Business District under construction would sanitise public transportation in the FCT. (NAN)
