Abuja: The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has stated that he has no regret naming the Abuja International Conference Centre after President Bola Tinubu. Wike made this statement in Abuja during the inauguration of the newly completed 15-kilometre left-hand service carriageway of OSEX Stage II, stretching from Ring Road I to Wassa Junction.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the decision to rename the rehabilitated Abuja International Conference Centre after Tinubu has been met with criticism, following its reopening on Tuesday. Some critics have labeled the N39 billion expenditure on the renovation as a misplaced priority. Responding to these criticisms, Wike questioned the rationale behind the opposition to the naming, citing historical precedents such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, which were not built by their namesakes.

Wike emphasized that those who criticize the renovation lack appreciation for quality and noted that the only unchanged aspect of the centre was its structure. He expressed disappointment over the failure to commend President Tinubu for his achievements, attributing criticism to a lack of understanding of the evolving economic context, particularly the changing exchange rate from 1991 to 2025.

Wike argued that criticism of the N39 billion renovation cost fails to account for the current economic realities compared to 1991 when the centre was originally built for N240 million. He asserted that no patriotic individual would oppose the rehabilitation of such a significant national asset.

The minister highlighted Nigeria's stature as the giant of Africa, insisting that the country deserves the best. He praised President Tinubu for delivering quality infrastructure that reflects Nigeria's status on the continent.