The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja is fully booked until 2027.
Wike made this known on Thursday during the commissioning of the Kugbo Bus Terminal in Abuja. He said the high demand for the facility shows that Nigerians appreciate quality, despite earlier criticisms.
The centre was renovated at the cost of ₦39 billion and renamed in honour of President Bola Tinubu. It was officially inaugurated on June 10, 2025, during events marking Tinubu’s second year in office. The renovation, however, faced heavy backlash from many Nigerians who questioned the cost and timing.
Reacting to the criticism, Wike said:
“You know, Nigerians pretend. They like good things, but they will pretend as if they don’t. That Conference Centre has been booked now till 2027—no space.”
He added that the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review had recently submitted a request to use the venue but may not get a slot unless they act fast.
“In fact, I saw an application by the Deputy Speaker, on Constitutional Amendment. There’s no space, no day. I’m trying to adjust if he can pay on time. Because it’s not free,” he said.
Wike stressed that even government bodies must pay to use the facility to ensure its maintenance.
“There’s nothing like ‘it’s the National Assembly.’ You have to pay something for us to sustain the facility,” the minister added.
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre is now one of the most sought-after venues for major events in the capital.
