- Not even the leaders of the lawless successive military regime that ran Nigeria for most part of its postcolonial existence arbitrarily named public structures after themselves even though they had the power to do so
The naming of public infrastructure and monuments after change makers, great men and women, iconic world beaters, and visionary and selfless leaders who brought radical progressive and impactful changes to their nations and people is a common practice all over the world. While some of these characters get immortalized while they are alive, most often enjoy the recognition that their contribution to the cause of humanity deserves by getting a structure named after them after their death. For leaders of nations, this immortalisation is part of the recognition of their contributions to the growth of their nation after they leave office. But the case is different in Nigeria.
Yesterday, the international conference centre was renamed after President Bola Tinubu, marking the continuation of the President’s practice of engraving his name onto some of Nigeria’s key public institutions, especially in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Since taking office in May 2023, at least six prominent monumental edifices and structures have been renamed or established in his honour, ranging from education and technology centres to military and legislative facilities.
Below are the six public structures named after Tinubu so far
Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks, Abuja. Inaugurated: January 23, 2025. Located in the Asokoro district, this new military facility was named after Tinubu by the Nigerian Army.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu Polytechnic, Abuja. Announced: January 16, 2025. This new federal polytechnic in Gwarinpa was formally named by the Federal Ministry of Education. It’s intended to boost access to technical and vocational education in the FCT.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC). Commissioned: December 2024. It was unveiled by the Ministry of Interior, this innovation hub serves the Nigeria Immigration Service and focuses on digital transformation and research, aligning with Tinubu’s tech-forward agenda.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, Abuja
In March 2024, A key section of the Southern Parkway in Abuja was renamed without public ceremony but drew attention after new signage was installed. The renamed route highlights the increasing number of structures named after Tinubu.
Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre
Renamed: June 10, 2025. Most recently, the iconic International Conference Centre (ICC), a premier venue for national and international events, was renamed after Tinubu after some rehabilitation work was done on the edifice.
Growing public concern
The obsession of President Tinubu’s government with naming public structures after him has become a cause of concern for many Nigerians who see the trend as worrisome. The practice has been heavily criticised, with Kalu Aja, a finance expert, describing it as an “obscene abuse of power.” This trend also highlights Tinubu’s penchant for self-glorification and his focus on things that amplify his legendary status rather than how the people feel about him and his administration. It also underscores his fixation on politics and trappings of power instead of the crucial work of governance and the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people.
Not even the leaders of the lawless successive military regime that ran Nigeria for most part of its postcolonial existence arbitrarily named public structures after themselves even though they had the power to do so. Tinubu’s troubling self-immortalisation makes him come across as a man who seeks constant validation from his people, and the people’s refusal to grant him what he so desires spurs him to look elsewhere.
The people and your predecessors are in the best position to pass a verdict on your administration and decide if you’re worthy of immortalisation. The fact that you’ve to start naming structures after yourself while still in office is a sign of a president who is trying to paper over the cracks of his administration’s incompetence and abysmal performance by etching its name on public edifices built with taxpayers money. As one cheeky netizen says, it may not be too long before we start seeing Tinubu’s face and name on our currencies.
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