The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has taken decisive action by shutting down the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja for eight months due to poor maintenance, as reported by Emmynet24.

Wike made the announcement following an inspection of the facility, expressing disappointment at its neglected state. He canceled all events and activities previously scheduled at the venue and questioned why maintenance contracts were entrusted to what he described as an incompetent company.

Effective immediately, Wike revealed that Julius Berger has been awarded the contract for the Comprehensive Renovation of the ICC, a process expected to span eight months. He further announced plans to return the facility to the Abuja Investment Company Limited after the renovation is completed.

This decision comes after Wike recently revoked the contract of the previous maintenance contractors, Messrs Integrated Facility Management Services Limited, in favor of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the immediate comprehensive renovation of the ICC.

In his statement, Wike lamented the missed opportunities for good leadership, emphasizing the need to uphold the standards of international venues like the ICC, especially in light of its significance during events such as the recent ECOWAS inauguration attended by President Muhammadu Buhari.