Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken decisive action by suspending all events at the International Conference Centre in Abuja. This move comes as part of a broader initiative to facilitate rehabilitation works by Julius Berger, necessitating the closure of the facility.
Additionally, Minister Wike has terminated the contract of Messrs Integrated Facility Management Services Ltd., the firm responsible for managing the center due to inadequacies and their poor performance in managing the facility evidenced by the dilapidated state of the conference center.
Expressing his dismay after inspecting the facility, Minister Wike lamented its substandard condition, emphasizing that it falls far short of international standards.
He recounted an instance during the ECOWAS inauguration with President Bola Tinubu, where the deplorable state of the center was glaringly evident. Wike stressed the unacceptable nature of the facility’s condition, particularly its inadequate lighting system.
Determined to rectify the situation, Minister Wike pledged to transform the conference center into a world-class facility that Nigerians can take pride in. He announced that Julius Berger has been allotted eight months to complete the renovation.
Based on the above reasons, all previous reservations for the use of the facility have been canceled until the renovation is finished, ensuring that the center’s restoration proceeds without interruption.