Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has criticized the reported ₦39 billion renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, calling it a glaring case of misplaced governmental priorities.
Obi’s remarks, made during an announcement of development projects he facilitated at Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, emphasized the need for more judicious use of public funds, particularly in sectors that directly impact the underprivileged.
Speaking in Abuja, Obi expressed dismay that such a colossal sum was allocated for the refurbishment of a structure he argued was still in functional condition.
He questioned why the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) would commit billions to the ICC while pressing issues such as poverty, inadequate healthcare, and crumbling educational infrastructure continue to plague the nation.
Obi’s statements were made public through a press release issued by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Umar, on Wednesday. In it, the former governor of Anambra State stressed that meaningful investment in education should not be viewed as charity but as a foundational element of sustainable national development.
In stark contrast to the multi-billion naira ICC project, Obi announced the execution of three development interventions at the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State—initiatives worth just over ₦6 million.
These include the provision of a borehole, the installation of solar power, and the establishment of a functioning laboratory. In addition, he donated ten laptop computers and two laser printers to support computer literacy among students.
The donations, though initially intended to be delivered personally, were sent through representatives due to prevailing security threats in the region. Obi remarked that if any part of Nigeria is deemed too unsafe to visit, it reflects broader national insecurity that undermines overall development.
Drawing from his experience as a state governor, Obi highlighted the tangible impact of prioritizing education, recalling how his administration worked to reduce the student-to-computer ratio to one computer for every ten students—a significant leap forward at the time.
He further contended that the billions used on the ICC renovation could have been deployed to meet the immediate needs of Nigerian children, including equipping schools nationwide with modern learning tools.
“The ₦39 billion used to renovate the International Conference Centre would have been better spent on addressing urgent issues affecting Nigerian schoolchildren, who are in desperate need of such investment,” Obi remarked.
Obi also drew attention to the plight of public school teachers in the FCT who have been on strike for more than three months due to unpaid salaries. To him, this serves as additional proof of the government’s skewed priorities, which seem to favor elite conveniences over grassroots necessities.
The donations to the Chibok school were made in response to a request for help received on May 31. Activist and vocal #BringBackOurGirls advocate Mrs. Aisha Yesufu facilitated the effort. According to her, the Chibok community sought assistance in boosting computer literacy among its students, and Obi’s swift response underscored his continued commitment to education and empowerment.
Accepting the items on behalf of the school and the larger community, Dauda Iliya, a community leader, expressed gratitude and assured that the resources would be properly used to enhance learning outcomes.
What you should know
Peter Obi has condemned the ₦39 billion ICC renovation project as an elite-centered move while highlighting his own commitment to grassroots development through a ₦6 million educational intervention in Chibok. He argues that real national progress comes through investments in education, not lavish infrastructure upgrades.
