The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has defended the N39 billion spent on renovating the International Conference Centre, Abuja, saying critics “don’t have good taste”.
The minister said this at the commissioning of the newly constructed Left-Hand Service Carriageway in the nation’s capital.
Wike emphasised that everything in the conference centre was changed except the block work.
”The only thing in that International Conference Centre that was not changed is just the block work. Everything in that Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre was changed.
Wike argued that the cost of renovation was justified considering the changes made to the conference centre.
He queried the exchange rate in 1991, comparing it to the current rate to justify the N39 billion spent.
Wike defended the decision to rename the conference centre after President Bola Tinubu, citing examples of other buildings named after prominent figures.
Nigeria as the Giant of Africa must not only show that it is the Giant of Africa; people must see what makes you to be the Giant of Africa.
The controversy surrounding the renovation cost and naming of the conference centre has sparked debate about government spending and priorities.
Wike’s defense of the project reflected the government’s priorities and values, emphasising the importance of showcasing Nigeria’s greatness.
