Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated payment for the use of the newly-renovated International Conference Centre which he commissioned in Abuja on Tuesday.

The President gave this order while speaking during its commission.

During the event, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike announced the renaming of the facility, originally established in 1991, as a tribute to the President’s leadership.

Tinubu recounted a visit to the ICC in 2024, expressing dismay at the condition of the ICC.

“When I attended the ECOWAS Parliament conference, the environment was dirty, disorganized, and uninhabitable. I turned to Mr. Wike and said, ‘This Conference Centre does not reflect who we are. Have we sunk this low?’ He replied, ‘No, bear with us. We will do whatever we can to transform the place.’ Today, I am very happy,” Tinubu remarked.

Wike directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to pay for the use of the facility to ensure its long-term sustainability and maintenance.

“Whether you are a ministry or an agency, you must pay something to use this facility. That is the only way we can sustain it. No such thing as ‘my brother’ or ‘my sister’ wants to use it for a wedding. If you want to use a beautiful place like this, you must pay something,” Wike stated.

Tinubu urged prospective users of the Centre to abide by Wike’s directive.

“Today, I say once again to all of you, Barka Da Sallah. You must obey what the landlord (Wike) says: if you want to use this place, you got to pay for it,” said Tinubu.