By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended construction giant Julius Berger Nigeria PLC for delivering a top-notch rehabilitation of the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, saying the quality of work reflects the company’s long-standing reputation for excellence and attention to detail.
Speaking during the formal commissioning of the 10,000-capacity ICC on Tuesday, President Tinubu recalled the facility’s embarrassing state during a recent ECOWAS Parliament Conference, describing it as a clear symbol of infrastructure decay that his administration is determined to reverse under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“It was a national embarrassment,” Tinubu said. “But the promise made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to completely turn things around has now been fulfilled. Today is a reflection of our commitment to quality, to integrity, and to projecting Nigeria as a serious nation.”
Praising Wike for his leadership and execution, Tinubu said, “Don’t mind the busybodies or the bystanders. Just keep doing your good work. You are a transformational leader with the vision and determination to succeed.”
He then turned his focus to Julius Berger, applauding the company for going beyond cosmetic improvements. “This is not renovation; this is total rehabilitation,” the President said. “This is quality. This is commitment to detail. This is what Julius Berger has represented in Nigeria for decades.”
The ICC, now equipped with modern acoustic systems, AI-powered translation booths, and renewable energy solutions, is expected to play a critical role in hosting regional diplomatic, trade, and global partnership events.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who also spoke at the event, echoed the President’s sentiments, applauding both Wike and Julius Berger. “The former state of this facility was a monumental embarrassment. But from what I see now, it could only have been Julius Berger,” he said. “This is the kind of transformation we’re bringing to Nigeria, whether people like it or not.”
Akpabio also praised Tinubu’s performance since assuming office. “Mr. President, the Nigerian Parliament is proud of you. We make the budget, you do the execution. You’re determined to leave this country better than you met it.”
Minister Wike used the occasion to announce a new policy, going forward, government ministries and agencies seeking to use the rehabilitated facility will be required to pay a fee. According to him, this is necessary to ensure sustainable revenue for the ongoing maintenance of the centre.
The commissioning event was attended by top political leaders, traditional rulers, diplomats, and the leadership of Julius Berger, led by its Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Peer Lubasch.