Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured that the newly renovated Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC) will not be handed over to politicians for management, in a bid to preserve the integrity and value of the multibillion-naira facility.
Speaking after inspecting several projects set for commissioning from June 10, Wike said the maintenance of the AICC will be handled by Julius Berger, the construction firm responsible for the renovation. He stressed that effective maintenance is crucial and will not be compromised.
“The centre will be maintained by Julius Berger, the company that built it. We are not going to give it to any politician to manage. Maintenance is a significant challenge in this country, and we are committed to doing things differently,” Wike said.
He revealed that a formal agreement with Julius Berger is in progress to ensure long-term maintenance of the facility. Users of the centre will also be required to pay for maintenance.
Addressing concerns about the technology installed in the centre, Wike said Nigerian staff trained and supervised during the renovation would operate the equipment. “The technology is not complicated, and we will start operations soon after commissioning,” he added.
On navigating bureaucratic challenges, Wike credited clear leadership and communication of vision. He said civil servants aligned with the administration’s goals have performed well, while those obstructing progress have been promptly reassigned.
“Everything revolves around leadership. Bureaucracy is part of our problems, but when people know you’re serious and have goals to achieve, they will key in,” he said.
Wike warned underperforming civil servants of the consequences of resistance to the Renewed Hope Agenda. “If they don’t key in, we have to take a decision. There’s no law that says you must be here. If you want to relax, I take you to where you will be relaxed—where you won’t see any job and that will affect your promotion.”
He maintained that project execution is not magic, but a product of discipline, financial prudence, and effective communication.
