Abuja: The newly rehabilitated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja has generated over N700 million within just three weeks of reopening, according to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike. The announcement was made during a Thanksgiving Service at St. James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja, held to celebrate the successful completion of project inaugurations by President Bola Tinubu in his second year in office.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Wike highlighted the stark contrast between the centre’s current financial performance and its past. Previously, the centre’s management remitted only N50 million annually to the FCT Administration. The Minister recalled the public outcry when he announced a budget of N39 billion for the centre’s rehabilitation, aimed at upgrading it to international standards.

The minister detailed the process of transformation, noting that the centre was described as an ‘eyesore’ by President Tinubu during a 2024 visit, leading to the directive for its rehabilitation. After being shut down for seven months, the centre was reopened and quickly surpassed financial expectations. Wike expressed surprise at the significant revenue generated in such a short time, noting that the previous manager, based in Adamawa, had underperformed financially.

Wike explained that the decision to rehabilitate the centre faced criticism, including personal attacks from the previous manager. He criticized those who opposed the project, suggesting they had failed to improve critical infrastructure during their own governmental tenures.

The Thanksgiving Service also marked the inauguration of 17 projects over 16 days by President Tinubu. Wike expressed gratitude for the successful and incident-free completion of these projects, which spanned areas including Kwali, Gwagwalada, and Bwari.