Wike Says Tinubu Conference Centre Fully Booked Until 2027

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that the newly refurbished Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre has been fully booked until the year 2027.

President Bola Tinubu had commissioned the N39 billion-renovated centre—formerly known as the Abuja International Conference Centre—on June 10, 2025, as part of events marking his second anniversary in office.

Despite widespread criticism, especially from Labour Party’s Peter Obi who argued that the funds should have been used to address educational deficits, Wike noted the centre’s overwhelming demand proves its value. He disclosed this during the launch of the Kugbo Bus Terminal on Thursday.

Wike stated that even a request by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives to use the venue for constitutional review meetings couldn’t be granted due to a lack of availability.

“You know Nigerians like good things but pretend otherwise. That Conference Centre is booked till 2027, there’s not a single day free,” he said.

He emphasized that even though the National Assembly approves FCT budgets, they are still required to pay for using the facility to ensure its sustainability. “You must pay something. We need revenue to maintain the centre,” Wike added.

Representing the President at the event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed concern that the House’s proposed constitutional conference might not hold there due to full bookings. He urged Wike to consider refunding clients who had paid in advance, so the National Assembly could secure the space.

Akpabio also appealed that future bookings not extend beyond 2027 to allow the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) a venue to celebrate its anticipated electoral victory.

“Please don’t allow bookings into 2028; otherwise, we might not find a place to jubilate after winning the election,” Akpabio said.