Prominent Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the ₦39 billion renovation of the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, describing it as nothing short of a “scam.”
Activist questions transparency of ₦39 billion project
In June 2025, President Bola Tinubu officially commissioned the refurbished ICC, which was originally built in 1991 during the regime of former military president, Ibrahim Babangida. The massive renovation, overseen by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, led to the facility being renamed in Tinubu’s honour.
Wike later claimed during a press conference that the renovated ICC is now generating up to ₦700 million in revenue, highlighting the project as a financial success for the FCT.
Adeyanju criticises poor condition of renovated ICC
However, in a post shared via (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, July 20, 2025, Adeyanju sharply criticised the project after attending a social event at the centre.
The activist revealed his disappointment at the allegedly poor state of the facility, stating that basic amenities like the air conditioning were not working properly.
“I attended the Seyi Vodi party yesterday at ICC and I felt so sorry for this country,” Adeyanju wrote.
“The air conditioning was not working, and I am convinced even ₦5 billion was not put into the place for repairs. At most, ₦3 billion was put in it. What happened at that place cannot be called anything else other than a scam.”
Public outrage over alleged misuse of public funds
Adeyanju’s statement has further fuelled public debate about the transparency and accountability of major government projects, especially those executed with taxpayer money.
Critics argue that the enormous sum spent on the renovation should have significantly improved the standard and facilities of the ICC, which serves as a key venue for national and international events.
Supporters of the project, however, maintain that the renovation has boosted revenue generation and elevated Abuja’s status as a regional conference hub.
As calls for an independent audit grow louder, many Nigerians await an official response from the FCT administration regarding the breakdown of costs and scope of the ₦39 billion renovation.
