For the first time since the return of democratic governance in Nigeria, we have a president who is daring to dream. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not only embarking on bold reforms that past administration had failed to do, but he’s also taking on legacy projects and initiatives that will modernize Nigeria and Nigerians. The policies of Tinubu’s administration are germane to the growth and development of Nigeria. This is not to say things will be easy or come on a platter of gold.
When completed, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Badagry-Sokoto Highway can be called Trans-Nigeria Highway, comparable to the 7, 476km Trans-Canada Highway and 5,415km US Route 20. The Trans-Canada Highway connected the whole of Canada, the second biggest country behind Russia in the world. It makes travel and connectivity between the provinces and territories easy, enhances trade, boosting commercial activities and interaction. The Route 20 in the United States transverses 12 states from Oregon to Massachusetts.
In addition to the construction of the Trans-Nigeria Highway, the administration’s establishment of the Consumer Credit Corporation and Student Loan Scheme, the return to local government autonomy and the ongoing tax reform are policies long needed in Nigeria. We hope and pray the administration will find a way to mitigate both the intended and unintended hardship caused by the removal of the differential in the foreign exchange and subsidy on petroleum. It must plug the leakages and wastages in government, curb corruption, and bring the dividends of democracy to every door in Nigeria.
Mr. President, can Nigeria host summits like the G20 or the Conference of the Parties (COP)? Sadly, the answer is no, despite our stature in the world. The Abuja International Conference Centre, our best at the moment does not meet the global standard. It might be sufficient to host ECOWAS meetings or conferences. It might be sufficient to host national discussions or dialogue, but it’s not sufficient to host continental or global meetings. It requires massive upgrade and expansion. Can you compare it to what you saw in Riyadh, Dubai, Paris or New York? The need for a global standard conference centre is not restricted to Abuja. The likes of Lagos, Rivers, Ogun, Kaduna, Kano, Cross Rivers, Imo, and Anambra are not left out. Canada has global standard conference centres in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Victoria to mention a few. Just like in the US, France, Canada, and many other nations, the federal government activities must not be limited to the capital. Officially, Nigeria should be able to host visiting presidents and heads of state outside of Abuja. Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau in the past 4 years has received visiting presidents and international dignitaries in Ottawa (the capital), Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary. The next G7 Leaders’ Summit will be in Kananaskis, Alberta, in 2025. This is like Ijebu Ode or Zaria or Nnewi hosting the leadership of the biggest industrial nations in the world. Think of the hotels, security, protocols, roads, etc.
An international conference centre is a facility designed to host large-scale conferences, trade shows, and other events. It typically includes a large exhibition hall, meeting rooms, auditoriums, and other amenities. It must consider protocols, security, and other official issues. There is a growing need for international conference centres for several reasons:
Globalization: The world is becoming increasingly interconnected, and businesses and organizations are looking for ways to connect with people from all over the world.
Technology: The rise of technology has made it easier to host large-scale events, and conference centres can take advantage of this technology to offer state-of-the-art facilities.
Tourism: International conference centres can attract tourists to a city or region, which can boost the local economy.
International conference centres play an important role in the global economy. They provide a platform for businesses and organizations to network, share ideas, and do business. They also contribute to the economic development of the cities and regions where they are located
The benefits of international conference centres include:
Economic development: International conference centers can attract tourists and businesses to a city or region, which can boost the local economy.
Job creation: International conference centers can create jobs in the hospitality, tourism, and other industries.
Knowledge sharing: International conference centers provide a platform for businesses and organizations to share ideas and knowledge.
Networking: International conference centers provide opportunities for businesses and organizations to network with each other.
In building an international conference center, it is important to do research and develop a comprehensive business plan. Nigeria with over 200m people needs at least 6 global standard international conference centres, one in each of the 6 geographical zones.
