The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government’s decision to spend N39 billion on renovating the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, calling it a “misplacement of priorities.”
Obi spoke on Wednesday in Abuja during a donation event for Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State. He questioned the Tinubu administration’s spending choices, saying the funds used for the ICC upgrade could have provided much-needed infrastructure for schools across the country.
The renovation, overseen by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, reportedly cost N35 billion and has seen the facility renamed after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, critics like Obi see the move as favouring luxury and elitism over the dire needs of the majority.
While presenting three development projects worth over N6 million — including a borehole, solar panels, and a science laboratory — Obi argued that government spending should focus more on improving education and the lives of everyday Nigerians.
“Spending N39 billion on renovating a conference centre while our children study in poor conditions is unacceptable,” Obi said. “That money could have bought thousands of computers and improved facilities for many schools across the country. It is a clear misplacement of priorities.”
He pointed out that teachers in the Federal Capital Territory have been on strike for three months due to unpaid salaries, asking how such a situation could exist while such a large amount is spent on renovating a single building.
Obi further lamented Nigeria’s insecurity, stating that he was advised against visiting Chibok for safety reasons. “If one part of the country is not safe to visit, then nowhere is truly safe,” he added.
The Labour Party leader also recalled how, during his time as governor of Anambra State, he ensured students had access to computers. “I created a system where about ten students shared one computer, just to improve digital literacy. That’s the kind of investment we need,” he noted.
The donation was facilitated by activist Aisha Yusufu, who said the Chibok school reached out to her on May 31, seeking help to improve their students’ computer skills. Yusufu said she contacted Obi, who quickly agreed to help.
The leader of the Chibok community, Dauda Iliya, received the donated items — which included 10 laptops and two laser printers — and promised that they would be used to improve learning and benefit the students.
