IN a bid to improve the fortunes of Nigerian football and sports at all levels, the federal government has earmarked over N31.4 billion for the renovation and upgrade of critical sports facilities across the country.
This initiative, under the National Sports Infrastructure Development Plan, is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the country’s sports sector, elevate athletic performance and restore Nigeria’s capacity to host international sporting events.
At the heart of this ambitious project lies the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, alongside other iconic sports facilities, such as the National Stadium in Surulere in Lagos, Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu and Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt. These historic sports arenas are slated for substantial upgrades that promise to restore their statuses as world-class facilities.
According to the leadership of the reinstated National Sports Commission (NSC), the initiative reflects government’s commitment to addressing longstanding issues that have plagued Nigerian sports infrastructure for decades, including aging facilities, insufficient maintenance and outdated systems.
Renovations will elevate these stadiums up to international standard, positioning Nigeria to host global competitions while fostering the growth of local talents.
As part of President Bola Tinubu’s N47.90 trillion “Budget of Restoration,” the NSC has allocated over N28 billion to upgrade stadiums nationwide. Specifically, N12.7 billion has been designated for the rehabilitation of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium’s main bowl (Phase I), while an additional N4 billion is earmarked for completing a high-performance centre for athletes at the same venue. A further N4.5 billion will fund the construction of a sports secretariat within the stadium.
The construction/completion of mini sports centres across the six geopolitical zones is expected to gulp N4.4 billion while N12 million was allocated for the provision of internet band with connectivity via optic fiber and LAN/WAN at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja and other critical national sporting infrastructure for the commission.
The budget also includes N5.8 billion for general upgrade and maintenance of other sports infrastructure across the country. This is where some of the iconic facilities like the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu and Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, which have been handed over to the respective state government, will benefit as they would also enjoy some intervention.
A credible source at the NSC confirmed that federal intervention would continue where necessary, highlighting the importance of preserving these national assets.
“Enugu and Kano have been handed over to the states for years, while Ahmadu Bello and Bauchi are in the process. However, this won’t stop the federal government from intervening to ensure that they are properly fixed,” he said.
