MINISTER of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, said he had no regret naming the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja after President Bola Tinubu.
Wike said this during the inauguration of the completed 15-kilometre left hand service carriage way of OSEX Stage II, from Ring Road I to Wassa Junction in Abuja on Friday, June 13, 2025.
Criticism trailed the naming of the rehabilitated ICC after Tinubu, shortly after it was reopened on Tuesday.
Others described expending N39 billion to renovate the edifice as a misplaced priority.
Reacting, Wike wondered why some people were criticising the naming of the ICC after Tinubu.
The minister said Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was not built by Azikiwe, and Moshood Abiola National Stadium was not built by Abiola.
He added that those criticising the rehabilitation of the centre did not have good taste.
“I have done it, and I have no regrets at all,” Wike said.
He stated that the only thing that was not changed in the centre was the structure saying: “Everything in that centre was changed.”
The minister expressed dismay that instead of commending Tinubu for doing very well, some people derived pleasure in indulging in baseless criticism.
Wike said those who described the N39 billion spent on the renovation of the centre as a misplaced priority had lost track of time and the changing exchange rate of naira to a dollar.
Wike added: “They said that the centre was built with N240 million, but which year? 1991.
“What was the exchange rate in 1991 compared with today? Look at it, 1991 and we are now in 2025.
“Nobody who loves this country will criticise the rehabilitation of the international conference centre.”
The minister said Nigeria was seen as the giant of Africa, adding that people must see what makes the country the giant of Africa.
“We deserve the best for the country, and Mr. President has given us the best,” he said.
