In a video shared online, Fayose expressed outrage at the scale of the expenditure, calling it a case of “ego construction” rather than meaningful national development.

“The ICC was constructed from scratch in 1991 for ₦240 million,” he said. “Now in 2025, we are spending ₦39 billion just to renovate the same building.”

"Rewriting History With Paint and Bricks"

Fayose questioned the rationale behind the massive renovation budget, especially at a time when Nigerians are battling rising inflation and economic hardship.

“This isn’t about preserving a legacy or national pride,” he stated. “This is about rewriting history with paint, bricks, and personal branding.”

He accused the government of prioritizing optics over substance, warning that such decisions reflect misplaced national values.

“There’s a deeper issue here,” Fayose argued. “It’s not just about the money—it’s about what we value as a nation. While millions of Nigerians struggle to survive, billions are being poured into vanity projects.”

Controversial Name Change

The newly renovated facility has also been renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, a move that has drawn criticism from various quarters. Critics argue that renaming public monuments after sitting presidents fuels a culture of self-glorification, especially when public sentiment is strained by economic challenges.

Fayose’s remarks have since gone viral, igniting debate online about government spending, leadership priorities, and the symbolism of public infrastructure.