Wike Defends Naming ICC After Tinubu

By Sofiat Adenekan

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s ₦39 billion investment in the rehabilitation of the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre (BTICC), stating that the project has begun yielding substantial returns less than a month after its commissioning.

Speaking during his monthly media briefing held at his official Life Camp residence, Wike revealed that the facility, re-commissioned on June 10, 2025, has already generated ₦650 million revenue within three weeks so far surpassing the N50 million it previously generated annually under its former operator.

“The previous operator paid only N50 million per year. Today, we have realized N650 million in three weeks. That’s the kind of transformation we are witnessing,” the Minister stated, adding that the centre is now fully booked until 2027.

Wike used the occasion to justify the naming of the conference centre after President Bola Tinubu, citing the President’s leadership in ensuring the long-overdue upgrade of the facility. Drawing comparisons with other national assets named in honour of statesmen, Wike emphasized the cultural value of recognizing national leaders during their lifetime.

“This is not the first time a public infrastructure is named after a living leader. We must cultivate a culture of celebrating our patriots while they are alive,” he said.

While responding to criticisms regarding the FCTA’s ongoing infrastructural projects, Wike defended the construction of a new office annex for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), explaining that it falls within the statutory mandate of the FCT Development Authority (FCDA).

“Provision of public buildings is the responsibility of the FCDA. The INEC Chairman himself has acknowledged that all their buildings have historically been constructed by the FCDA,” he noted, dismissing accusations of political interference.

On the protracted strike by FCT primary school teachers over unpaid new minimum wage arrears, Wike disclosed ongoing efforts to resolve the matter through dialogue with stakeholders, including the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Council Chairmen, and student leaders.

He noted that part of the delay stemmed from the financial independence of Area Councils, adding that the FCTA had intervened by withholding portions of internally generated revenue (IGR) from the councils to address teacher salaries.

“The Area Councils are autonomous. We have tried to help by withholding part of their IGR to settle some of the wage arrears, but we have limits,” he explained.

The Minister also criticized recent industrial actions by the Joint Union of FCTA workers, particularly the act of locking the gate to his office. He described it as an unfortunate development, warning that threats and intimidation would not be tolerated.

“Government funds cannot be used solely for salaries. We also need to build roads, schools, and hospitals,” he said, stressing the financial strain posed by wage increases and staff promotions.

He also categorically denied allegations of improper land allocations to his children, describing the claims as politically motivated and lacking in evidence.

“Let them bring proof. These allegations are from political actors in Adamawa State who are simply trying to distract us,” he asserted. He dismissed reports of a presidential committee investigating the claims, urging the public to focus on more important national issues.

Wike briefly touched on the reconciliation with the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, confirming that peace had been restored without delving into the details of the settlement.

On the growing opposition to the Tinubu administration by a coalition of political parties, the Minister said such efforts were fueled by self-interest rather than national concern. He expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and reforms.

“While there are challenges, this administration is taking bold steps to address them. Nigerians are wise enough not to be swayed by propaganda,” he concluded.