President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, since its inception in May 2023, has seen a notable trend of public edifices and institutions, particularly within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, being named or renamed in his honour. This practice has ignited significant public discourse and attracted criticism, with at least six prominent structures and a major airport now bearing his name within his first two years in office.

A focal point of this controversy is the recent renaming of the Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC) to the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre. The renaming was announced by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike during the commissioning of the newly renovated facility on June 10, 2025. The renovation itself, reportedly costing ₦39 billion, has drawn sharp criticism.

Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, vocally condemned the ICC project. He described the ₦39 billion expenditure for renovation, followed by the renaming, as an act of "ego construction" rather than national development. Fayose highlighted the disparity, noting the ICC was originally built in 1991 under General Ibrahim Babangida for ₦240 million, and Babangida did not name it after himself. He questioned the timing of such an expenditure and renaming exercise when many Nigerians are grappling with inflation, insecurity, and hardship, suggesting the government is more focused on "immortalising a name" than addressing critical national issues.

Fayose's views resonated with many Nigerians online. Concerns were raised about the transparency of the ₦39 billion renovation fund, with some arguing that the ICC only required minor maintenance, not a costly overhaul. Others lamented the expenditure on what they perceived as a move to "buy a legacy" while essential services and sectors like education (ASUU strikes) and healthcare (lack of hospital beds) remain underfunded and citizens face hunger.

Beyond the ICC, several other key institutions in Abuja have been named or renamed after President Tinubu: The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks in Asokoro, inaugurated on January 23, 2025, aims to improve accommodation for military personnel and support security operations. The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Polytechnic in Gwarinpa, announced on January 16, 2025, is a new federal polytechnic intended to expand access to technical and vocational education. The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC), commissioned in December 2024, serves the Nigeria Immigration Service and focuses on digital transformation and research, aligning with the administration's tech-forward agenda. The National Assembly Library was renamed the Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu Building on May 29, 2024, marking the first anniversary of Tinubu's presidency, to recognize his contributions to national development. A significant section of the Southern Parkway in Abuja was renamed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way in March 2024, a change noticed after new signage appeared.

This trend extends beyond Abuja. In March 2024, the Niger State government, under Governor Mohammed Bago, renamed the Minna International Airport after President Tinubu. This occurred shortly after the airport had been named in honour of the late literary icon Abubakar Imam. Governor Bago defended the decision as "putting a square peg in a square hole."

The broader public and critical reactions to these renamings have been mixed and often critical. Commentators have pointed out that many of these structures were initiated and built by previous administrations, questioning the appropriateness of renaming them after the current president. Accusations of sycophancy have been leveled against those proposing and implementing the name changes, with critics arguing that true legacy is earned through tangible results and effective governance, not by affixing names to buildings.

Some view the spate of renamings as indicative of a presidency focused on self-aggrandizement. There are concerns that such actions are merely temporary and could be reversed by future administrations. One commentator, Kehinde Adeleke, suggested that the renamings are likely driven by appointees and allies seeking to "massage his ego" and show loyalty, rather than being a direct desire of the President. He urged that a leader like Tinubu should be wary of such "gimmicks" and focus instead on implementing policies that improve the lives of average Nigerians, which would be a more lasting way to immortalize his name. The resources expended on ceremonial unveilings and commissionings have also been criticized as wasteful.

The renaming of multiple public institutions after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has become a prominent and contentious feature of his early presidency. While proponents may see it as a way to honour his leadership, the practice has fueled a national debate about legacy, political priorities, and the use of public resources, particularly against a backdrop of socio-economic challenges faced by the Nigerian populace.