Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has fired back at critics of the recent renaming of the refurbished Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC) after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling the move a “well-deserved honour” for a leader driving tangible transformation in the nation’s capital.
Wike spoke on Thursday during the commissioning of the newly completed 15-kilometre Apo-Wassa Road in Abuja. He used the occasion to defend the decision and underscore the administration’s commitment to infrastructure delivery despite mounting criticism.
“Some people say we shouldn’t name the ICC after the President,” Wike said pointedly. “But these are the same people who sat by and did nothing when they had power. If Nnamdi Azikiwe didn’t build the airport, and Moshood Abiola didn’t build the stadium, why is it wrong to name the ICC after a President who is working?”
The Apo-Wassa road project, originally awarded in 2017 but stalled due to lack of funding, was revived and completed under the Tinubu administration as part of a 17-day infrastructure commissioning marathon across the capital. Wike praised the execution, crediting President Tinubu’s directive against project abandonment.
“This road was dead for years,” Wike said. “But from the day we assumed office in August 2023, the President said, ‘No more abandoned projects.’ And today, look at the result. Drive down to Wasa Junction — the change is there for all to see.”
The minister didn’t mince words when addressing criticism from political opponents and media analysts.
“There are people who choose to be blind. If you refuse to see progress even when it hits you in the face, then stay blind. That’s your choice,” he said. “You sit on TV talking about misplaced priorities, but you couldn’t defend your own boss. Now you want to teach us governance?”
On the cost of renovating the ICC, Wike argued that critics were ignoring the economic context:
“In 1991, it cost ₦240 million. Do they mention the exchange rate then versus now? The criticism is not based on facts, just bitterness.”
Wike, known for his fiery rhetoric, also addressed his personal loyalty to President Tinubu:
“I will defend my boss. I have the capacity to do so. If you are not happy, you are free to be permanently angry. But I have no regrets.”
He thanked President Tinubu and the National Assembly for their support and reaffirmed plans to continue dualising major roads and fulfilling the long-promised relocation of the Apo Mechanic Village.
“To those traders and residents: we’re not making promises. We’re executing. The New Hope agenda is real.”
Joining Wike at the commissioning ceremony, Senate President Godswill Akpabio officially opened the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) left-hand service carriageway, praising the Tinubu administration for its infrastructure momentum.
“The President told you yesterday: ignore the critics, stay focused. Nobody remembers you for how you answered your critics, but for the legacies you leave behind — and we are already seeing those legacies,” Akpabio said.
He described the new road as a “symbol of divine intervention and good governance,” citing its role in decongesting the city and linking key developing districts such as Aku, Nduluguma, Ndulu, Mumba, and Wasa.
“Even the blind who walk through Wasa Road will know that Nigeria is working again,” Akpabio declared.
The Senate President also applauded the project contractor, CCECC Nigeria Ltd, for the quality and speed of execution, stating that the project demonstrates a larger vision for urban renewal and economic revitalisation.
“This is part of a broader infrastructure plan — from new highways to bridges and railways — laying the foundation for a more productive and prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Akpabio thanked citizens for their patience and declared the road open for public use.
“God bless you all. God bless the LCC administration. And God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
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