Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, has strongly criticized the federal government’s ₦39 billion renovation of the Abuja International Conference Centre, calling it an extravagant exercise in self-promotion.
In a viral Instagram video, Fayose contrasted the recent refurbishment – commissioned by President Bola Tinubu and overseen by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike – with the original 1991 construction under General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime which cost just ₦240 million.
“The Abuja ICC was built in 1991 under General Ibrahim Babangida for just ₦240 million, a solid national monument from scratch. In 2025, ₦39 billion is spent not to build a new one, but to renovate. And now it’s renamed Bola Ahmed Tinubu ICC?” he stated incredulously.
The businessman expressed dismay at what he described as the administration’s misplaced priorities, particularly amid Nigeria’s economic crisis and security challenges.
“IBB, the man who built it, never named it after himself. Tinubu renovated and renamed. This says a lot. Nigerians are suffering, but they’re focused on immortalising a name,” Fayose added, highlighting the contrast in leadership approaches.
His remarks have ignited heated online discussions, with many citizens sharing concerns about perceived profligate spending while inflation and unemployment continue to batter households. The controversy comes as the government defends its infrastructure investments as necessary for national development.
The newly renamed Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre was originally constructed to host major diplomatic and economic summits. Authorities maintain the extensive renovation was required to modernize the 34-year-old facility to international standards.
