Nyesom Wike Suspends Events at Abuja International Conference Centre for Renovation

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has announced the suspension of all events at the International Conference Centre, ICC, Abuja, for the purpose of a holistic rehabilitation.

Wike made this declaration after inspecting the centre in Abuja on Monday, stating that the suspension was to allow Julius Berger to carry out comprehensive renovation work.

The minister terminated the contract of Messrs Integrated Facility Management Services Ltd, the company previously managing the centre.

Anthony Ogunleye, the Director of Press in the Office of the Minister, announced the termination on April 4, noting that Julius Berger had been engaged for the immediate renovation of the centre.

After his inspection, Wike expressed disappointment in the state of the facility, describing it as a mere conference centre without meeting international standards. He highlighted issues such as poor lighting and overall substandard conditions.

He emphasized that the FCT Administration would not tolerate such embarrassment and announced the cancellation of all bookings at the centre.

The rehabilitation is expected to be completed within eight months to transform the facility into a befitting International Conference Centre.

Julius Berger was chosen for the renovation due to its prior involvement in the construction of the centre. Wike expressed confidence in the ability of the newly appointed Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company (AIC), Amb. Maureen Tamuno, to manage the centre effectively after the rehabilitation.

Tamuno, an experienced public officer and diplomat, assumed office on April 4.

Wike stated that there would be no probe into the circumstances leading to the deteriorated state of the centre, focusing instead on ensuring the completion of the renovation and the delivery of a facility that Nigerians and the international community can be proud of.