In a surprising twist for Abuja’s elite social scene, the iconic IBB International Golf and Country Club has been shut down by the Federal Government, with its doors to remain closed until 2026.The closure, which has sent ripples across the capital’s social and sporting circles, was announced following a move by the Department of State Services (DSS), who took over the premises on April 26, just ahead of the club’s Annual General Meeting.
The goal? To prevent the club from spiraling into deeper internal crisis over the unresolved tussle involving its Board of Trustees.Sources confirmed that the shutdown is part of a broader plan to carry out a long-overdue upgrade to the club’s infrastructure, aiming to bring it up to world-class standards. But the real work isn’t expected to kick off until sometime next year.
Renowned construction firm Julius Berger, which built the club back in 1991, has reportedly been tapped to lead the facelift.Meanwhile, a shake-up is underway within the club’s membership. The Deshi-led Interim Management Committee (IMC) has been tasked with reviewing the membership list and removing personal items from the lockers. Members are being advised to retrieve their belongings, as security officials are no longer allowing personal access without proper ID verification.
Only essential staff such as maintenance workers, greenkeepers, and DSS security officers are permitted on-site for now. The IMC has also confirmed that once renovations begin in earnest, a verified list of eligible members will be required before anyone can return.For many of Abuja’s high-profile socialites, this closure marks a significant pause in their routines. But with promises of a world-class facelift and better structure, the hope is that the club will return in 2026—stronger, sleeker, and more secure than ever.