The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has stated that operational use of the newly renovated Abuja International Conference Centre will commence after the inauguration, scheduled for the 10th of June, 2025.

The Minister disclosed this on Monday, after inspecting the renovated ICC, the Outer Southern Expressway going to Wassa, and the Gishiri road construction project.

Recall that the Minister had shut down the Conference Centre in April 2024 for an initial period of eight months, cancelling all previously booked events and activities, while citing poor maintenance by the previous managers, Messrs Integrated Facility Management Services Limited.

Wike then reawarded the comprehensive renovation of the facility to Julius Berger, announcing that the ICC will be handed back to the Abuja Investment Company Limited following its renovation.

However, on Monday, the Minister stated that the FCT administration will enter an agreement with Julius Berger for the maintenance of the facility, describing maintenance of government facilities as “a significant challenge in this country.”

He noted that the new technological installations were not too complicated to be operated by the local staff who worked in the facility, adding that the administration will ensure that things are properly done.

“The centre will be maintained by Julius Berger, the company that built it. We’re not going to hand it over to any politician to manage. Maintenance is a significant challenge in this country, and we’re committed to doing things differently.

“The agreement with Julius Beggar will ensure that maintenance is done properly. We’re working on the details, and once the agreement is signed, we’ll make sure that anyone who uses the centre pays for maintenance.

“Don’t worry about the new technology; the company that provided it will handle maintenance. The staff working there are Nigerians who have been supervised by us. The technology isn’t complicated, and we’ll start operations soon after commissioning,” he said.

Wike also stated that leadership was crucial to the completion of various projects in the FCT, despite bureaucratic hurdles, stating, “Bureaucracy can be a challenge, but when you communicate your vision clearly and set expectations, people understand what needs to be done. Leadership is essential. Without it, you can’t achieve anything.”

“I work closely with civil servants who understand the vision and are committed to achieving it. If someone is not performing well, I take decisive action. It’s not about dictating, but about communicating and setting clear expectations,” he added.

The PUNCH reports that the FCT administration has scheduled 17 days for the inauguration of projects across the nation’s capital, with the Conference Center scheduled to be inaugurated on Tuesday (tomorrow).