Tinubu, Akpabio hail Julius Berger’s excellence as ICC Abuja is reopened

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for its exceptional commitment to quality and attention to detail in the successful rehabilitation of the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, Tinubu applauded the engineering giant for delivering a world-class facility on schedule.

The President, who recalled the dilapidated state of the ICC during the last ECOWAS Parliament Conference, described its previous condition as an embarrassment and a reflection of infrastructural decline. He noted that the assurance given by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to transform the venue has now been fulfilled.

Expressing his joy at the successful completion of the project, Tinubu said the upgraded ICC reflects Nigeria’s determination to position itself as a nation of quality, character, and resilience. He praised Wike for his dedication, calling him a transformational leader with vision and the determination to succeed.

Tinubu further lauded Julius Berger for the quality of their work, stating, “Today, we’re not talking about mere renovation — we are witnessing rehabilitation, quality, commitment to detail, and good work. This is what Julius Berger has represented in this country for years.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his goodwill message, also showered praises on both the FCT Minister and Julius Berger, describing the previous state of the ICC as a monumental embarrassment. He commended the transformation, adding that the remarkable improvement was evident the moment he stepped into the facility.

“The rehabilitation and transformation we’re witnessing here is the kind of progress this country is destined for, whether some people like it or not,” Akpabio declared, further commending President Tinubu’s vision and the administration’s commitment to national development.

Wike, while addressing the audience, announced that all ministries and agencies intending to use the revitalized centre would now pay a fee to support its sustainable maintenance. He emphasized that this new revenue model is necessary to preserve the facility’s world-class standard.

The 10,000-capacity rehabilitated ICC now boasts cutting-edge acoustic systems, AI-powered translation booths, and renewable energy infrastructure, marking a significant upgrade to one of Nigeria’s key venues for regional diplomacy and global engagements.

The commissioning ceremony drew prominent political leaders, traditional rulers, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Julius Berger’s Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Peer Lubasch, led the company’s delegation at the event, earning accolades for the firm’s continued dedication to excellence.