The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has explained why President Bola Tinubu’s administration spent a whooping N39 billion for the renovation of the International Conference Centre.

Speaking during the commissioning of the newly constructed Left-Hand Service Carriageway in Abuja, Wike said everything inside the ICC was changed to a new one except the frame of the building.

Defending the N39 billion used for rehabilitation of the building as against the N240 million which was spent for its construction in 1991, the minister said times have changed.

Recall that the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, Peter Obi had condemned the huge amount of money used for the renovation of the ICC.

Obi accused the present administration of getting its priorities wrong.

According to him, the money spent on the renovation of the building could have been invested in the nation’s education or health sector.

However, responding to Obi, the minister said those criticising the renovation of the property do not have a good taste.

“The only thing in that International Conference Centre that was not changed is just the block work. Everything in that Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre was changed.

“Nigeria as the Giant of Africa must not only show that it is the Giant of Africa; people must see what makes you to be the Giant of Africa. Nobody who loves this country would criticise the International Conference Centre,” Wike said.

He added that the disparity in the exchange rate in 1991 and now is wide apart and contributed to the huge amount spent in 2025.

“Compare the exchange rate to what we have in 2025.”

“We have taste, we want the best for the country and the president has given the best for the country.

“If you did not do well to defend your boss when you have the opportunity, it is your business. I am here and I will defend my boss,” he added.