By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: Following reported criticisms by a television presenter on the decision of the Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA to rename the newly renovated multibillion naira Abuja International Conference Centre AICC after President Bola Tinubu, the administration on Friday defended its position, saying the president has done well for the nation’s capital to merit such honour.

FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, who spoke during the commissioning of the newly constructed 15-kilometre Left-Hand Service Carriageway of Outer Southern Expressway OSEX Stage II from Ring Road 1 Junction to Wasa Junction, also said the administration did not inflate the cost of the renovation.

Built in 1991 at the cost of N240 million, the conference centre was rehabilitated with N39 billion.

Wike, who attributed the increase to inflation, also explained that the 15-kilometre Left-Hand Service Carriageway of Outer Southern Expressway OSEX Stage II was awarded in 2017 at the cost of N6 billion but that in 2021, the cost was increased to N21 billion after variation.

Details later…