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National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko opens up on plans to renovate Moshood Abiola Stadium.
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The NSC Supremo also confirmed that the commission is set to adopt a model that would encourage private-sector investment.
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The Super Eagles have not played in the Stadium since the 1-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in 2023.
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Aliko Dangote renovated the Stadium in 2021 through the Dangote Group, which reportedly cost $1m
October 14, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has commenced plans to upgrade the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja in a bid to improve its facilities and enhance its capacity to host sporting events.
According to the Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, who confirmed the plans in an interview when he received a delegation from four Federal Government-owned media organisations during a visit to his office on Tuesday.
The delegation was made up of Journalists from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Voice of Nigeria (VON) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
Dikko outlined the Government’s plan to reposition the stadium as a world-class facility capable of hosting major sporting events.
He also revealed that the commission was working on improving the stadium’s facilities, including the grass playing surface, lighting and other key infrastructure.
“We want the stadium to be active, not only when football matches are being played but also for other events and commercial activities.
“The plan is to develop the stadium into a vibrant sports complex with complementary facilities, including hospitality, commercial and conference services”, Dikko said.
The Chairman also highlighted the commission’s plan to adopt a model that would encourage private-sector investment in the development and management of sports infrastructure.
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Dikko continued: “The commission is committed to developing grassroots sports, expanding opportunities for young athletes and strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to compete internationally.
“A stronger sports economy would create direct and indirect employment opportunities across several sectors, including broadcasting, tourism, hospitality and commerce.
“We will continue to engage relevant stakeholders to ensure that sports facilities across the country were properly developed, maintained and utilised.
“I urge the media organisations to work closely with the commission in communicating its programmes and projects to Nigerians.”
The Stadium was constructed in 2003, and was renamed Moshood Abiola National Stadium in 2019 by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The stadium is designed to accommodate 60,491 spectators.
It would be recalled that Aliko Dangote funded the renovation of the Stadium in 2021 through the Dangote Group, which reportedly cost $1m.
However, following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Ghana, fans encroached on the playing surface to damage the facilities in the stadium.
The Super Eagles last played in the Stadium in March 2023, when they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in a Nations Cup qualifier encounter.
