President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to reviving and upgrading Nigeria’s critical infrastructure, saying there’s no turning back on efforts to reshape the nation’s development story through strategic projects.

The president made this clear yesterday during the inauguration of the newly rehabilitated International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja. The center, once in a deteriorated state, has been given a complete facelift under the supervision of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, who also announced that the venue would now be known as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.

Infrastructure First: A Core Pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda

Tinubu, in his speech, described modern infrastructure as the backbone of any thriving economy and an essential component of his Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA). He emphasized that the ongoing renewal efforts cut across key sectors such as:

Transportation

Healthcare

Education

Energy

Urban development

“Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are determined to upgrade infrastructure in every critical sector,” he said. “We know that for any society to be inclusive, prosperous, and progressive, it must have strong, modern infrastructure at its foundation.”

A Symbol of Nigeria’s Vision for Global Engagement

For Tinubu, the transformation of the ICC goes beyond just physical renovation—it represents Nigeria’s larger ambition to become a central hub for continental trade, global partnerships, and regional diplomacy.

“The International Conference Centre must reflect Nigeria’s values, hospitality, and ambition. We are positioning our country to become the beating heart of Africa's trade and international dialogue,” he declared.

The president praised Wike for not only taking up the challenge of revamping the facility but delivering results within a short timeframe.

Wike Gets a Pat on the Back — and Encouragement to Ignore Critics

President Tinubu took a moment to commend FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who has faced both praise and criticism since assuming office. The president urged him to stay focused, regardless of public noise or opposition chatter.

“Don’t listen to the busybodies or bystanders. You’re doing a great job. You’re a transformational leader—keep your eyes on the goal,” Tinubu encouraged.

He also recalled his disappointment at the deplorable condition of the ICC when he last visited for the ECOWAS Parliament Conference, describing the place as “very dirty, disorganized, and not habitable.” He shared that it was that experience that prompted him to challenge Wike on whether the state of the facility aligned with the dignity of the Nigerian people.

“I remember asking the minister: ‘Have we sunk this low?’ And he confidently told me it would be transformed. And today, here we are.”

Beyond the Building: A Promise of Continued Renewal

The upgraded ICC is just one example of what the Tinubu administration calls a "larger national vision" to modernize Nigeria’s infrastructure and attract meaningful investment, collaboration, and global recognition.

With this bold step, the message from the presidency is loud and clear: Nigeria is not just open for business—it’s being restructured for growth.

As the country navigates complex economic and developmental challenges, this infrastructure renaissance could become a defining feature of Tinubu’s leadership legacy.