FCT MINISTER DEFENDS INVESTMENT IN BOLA TINUBU INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE,
…CITES MASSIVE REVENUE BOOST
By: Gyang Dakwo and Prudence Okonna
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has strongly defended the FCT Administration’s significant investment in the rehabilitation of the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre (BTICC), revealing a staggering increase in revenue generation since its re-commissioning on June 10th, 2025.
Speaking during his monthly media chat at his Life Camp Residence on Thursday, July 3, 2025, Barr. Wike disclosed that the facility has generated a remarkable N650 million in just three weeks after its reopening, a stark contrast to the mere N50 million per annum previously paid by the facility’s former operator, representing a monumental shift in its financial performance.
“The man they gave it to was paying N50 million every year to the FCT. As I speak to you, that place was commissioned on June 10. Within three weeks, we have realized a revenue of N650 million. But this was somebody giving us N50 million a year. That is the country we were in,” Barr. Wike stated.
The Minister also addressed and defended the renaming of the facility after President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing the President’s pivotal leadership in ensuring the long-overdue rehabilitation of the centre. He drew parallels with other prominent national facilities named after distinguished personalities who did not personally construct them, such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the Moshood Abiola International Stadium, and the Ibrahim Babangida Golf and Country Club.
Describing the revamped BTICC as a “window into the country,” Barrister Wike proudly announced that the centre is now fully booked until 2027, a testament to the public’s appreciation for quality infrastructure.
Furthermore, the Minister defended the FCDA’s construction of an office annex for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), clarifying that providing public buildings in the FCT is a core responsibility of the agency. He dismissed criticisms as unfounded, stating, “To the glory of God, the Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu did say that every of their structures and buildings have always been done by the FCDA. All public buildings have been carried out by FCDA. It has nothing to do with interfering with their work. Even where they are today was built by the FCDA. So, there is nothing new about FCDA constructing an office space and handing over to them.”
Reflecting on the FCT Administration’s achievements, particularly the unprecedented commissioning of completed infrastructure projects, Barr. Wike expressed optimism that these accomplishments would be surpassed in the coming year. He acknowledged numerous requests from FCT communities for more projects, stating his genuine satisfaction in addressing the needs of the people.
The Minister also highlighted the remarkable attendance of commissioning ceremonies by President Tinubu and other senior government officials, signifying their commitment to the FCT’s development. More projects are slated for commissioning in the months ahead.
Addressing the protracted strike by FCT primary school teachers over unpaid new minimum wage, the FCT Minister outlined steps taken to resolve the issue, including engaging with the leadership of the NUT, Council Chairmen, and NANS representatives. He detailed efforts by the FCTA to offset arrears, including withholding a percentage of Area Councils’ IGR, but emphasized the limitations due to the autonomy of the Area Councils.
The Minister also touched upon the large FCTA workforce and the substantial financial implications of salary payments, which he noted exceeded the FCT’s federal allocation. He criticized the recent strike action and the locking of the FCTA office gate by the Joint Union of FCTA workers, describing it as unfortunate.
He underscored the financial implications of the minimum wage increment and the difficulty of simultaneously addressing promotion demands and vital infrastructure provision, saying, “The government cannot take all its funds for payment of salaries. Where does government get the money from? It means there will be no schools, and there will be no roads. We need more money to add to pay the salaries,” he stated, adding that he would not tolerate threats or intimidation without proper official communication.
On the issue of beggars and “one-chance” criminals in the FCT, Minister Wike affirmed that the Administration, in collaboration with security agencies, has made significant progress in reversing the trend, acknowledging that complete eradication of crime is challenging but highlighting notable improvements.
Addressing allegations of self-allocation of 4000 hectares of land, the Minister dismissed them as baseless and politically motivated. He challenged accusers to provide empirical evidence and stated he was unconcerned by such distractions.
On the reconciliation with the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Barr. Wike reiterated that peace, which was achieved with Rivers State stakeholders, has returned to the state.
Barr. Wike also dismissed the plot by a coalition of opposition political parties to oust the current government as driven by selfish interests, stating they are not genuinely concerned about Nigerians’ welfare. He highlighted past actions of the group’s protagonists that did not benefit the country, asserting that Nigerians are discerning and will not be swayed by mere propaganda. While acknowledging national challenges, he affirmed President Tinubu’s genuine commitment to addressing them through bold and decisive steps.
