By Remi Johnson
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the ongoing renovation work at the International Conference Center, ICC, by the end of May 2025, costing #39bn.
Wike who made this known in Abuja during an inspection visit to the ICC, expressed satisfaction with the progress of work, lauding the contractors for their dedication and adherence to high-quality standards.
Wike explained that the contractors assured that the center is now 70 to 80 percent completed, with all necessary materials already on-site, to ensure timely delivery.
“We are happy with the state of work going on. We believe by May ending, it is one of those projects that Mr. President will commission in his second year in office.The contractors are very reputable contractors, so we are very, very happy.
Wike noted that the ICC, originally conceived during the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, was built to serve as a premier venue for international conferences and summits, but was however neglected to deteriorate to irredeemable state, before this current Administration decided to overhaul the facility to international standard.
“You cannot talk about a befitting conference center. Then what is the essence of Nigeria being the biggest nation in Africa? Are we just big by name? We travel all over the world, and we see everything, why should our own be different? So we are giving Nigerians the best, and I thank God for the support of Mr. President.
“We of course, had to take a drastic decision. Ethnicity came in, religion came in, all because it’s from so so person, and that’s a major problem in this country, and I said No, that’s not my business. He went to court but you can’t stop this.
“So I am happy about what is going on. Julius Berger had promised us that they are going to complete it. This is at the cost of 39 billion naira that we are spending, 39 billion naira is not 39 million naira.”
Beyond the ICC, Wike also visited the N5 road project and the Outer Southern Expressway, OSEX, leading to Wassa.
In addition, Wike also reiterated plans to ensuring urban renewal as evidenced by his recent demolition of illegal structures in Gishiri, noting that the measures were not meant to witch- hunt anybody.
“We are not here to impose hardship on anyone, but to improve lives. These projects will benefit everyone, and we urge residents to support the government’s efforts”.
Wike expressed optimism that Nigerians should expect to witness the grand commissioning of a world-class International Conference Center that will stands as a symbol of Nigeria’s renewed ambition on the international stage and testament of government’s determination to drive progress and development.