Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government’s decision to spend N39 billion on the renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, describing it as a glaring case of misplaced priorities.
Obi, who spoke on Wednesday during a visit to Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, argued that the funds should have been directed toward urgent developmental needs, particularly in education and poverty alleviation.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, recently announced the completion of the renovation of the ICC and its renaming after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to Wike, the project cost N35 billion, although other reports place the figure closer to N39 billion.
Reacting to the development, Obi said the administration continues to prioritise projects that benefit the elite, while millions of impoverished Nigerians suffer and die without basic necessities.
“This is a misplacement of priority,” Obi stated. “Spending N39 billion to renovate a conference centre while children across Nigeria lack access to clean water, electricity, and laboratories is unacceptable. The poor are dying in droves, and our focus should be on lifting them, not beautifying buildings for the rich.”
The former Anambra State governor made the remarks while announcing a personal donation of over N6 million to fund three projects at the Chibok school, which gained international attention in 2014 following the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram insurgents.
Obi’s donation covers the sinking of a borehole, the installation of solar power, and the establishment of a science laboratory. He also donated several computer systems to aid the students’ learning.
“Every naira spent on education is an investment in our collective future,” he said. “What I’ve done here is just a token. Imagine how many schools like this could have been transformed with just a fraction of the N39 billion.”
Obi’s comments have sparked renewed debate about the Tinubu administration’s fiscal priorities at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with inflation, hunger, and deteriorating public infrastructure.
As of press time, there has been no official response from the presidency regarding Obi’s criticism.
