Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded to criticism over the ₦39 billion spent on renovating the International Conference Centre in Abuja, saying detractors “don’t have good taste.”
Wike made the statement during the commissioning of a newly constructed Left-Hand Service Carriageway in Abuja, emphasizing that everything in the conference center was changed except the block work. He highlighted that when the center was originally built in 1991, only ₦240 million was spent. His remarks have sparked public debate, with critics arguing that the cost of renovation is excessive and lacks proper justification.
Social media reactions have been mixed, with some questioning whether the high cost included luxury additions such as a water fountain, flowers, zinc roofing, or street lights, while others insisted that such spending would not happen if the building were privately owned.
The discussion around the renovation continues to gain traction as Nigerians debate government expenditure and accountability
