FG Moves to Restore Nigeria’s Sporting Facilities To International Standards

FG Moves to Restore Nigeria’s Sporting Facilities To International Standards

By Admin 

The Federal Government has approved a wide-ranging package of sports infrastructure projects and development initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s sports sector and restoring key facilities to international standards, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The approvals were granted through the National Sports Commission (NSC) during its recent Tenders Board meeting, where several major projects and contracts were ratified as part of a nationwide sports infrastructure renewal programme.

Among the flagship projects is the comprehensive redevelopment of the pitch at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, whose deteriorating condition has limited its use by Nigeria’s national teams in recent years. The project will also include the rehabilitation of the tartan tracks and upgrades to critical facilities within the stadium complex, including dressing rooms, the media centre, VIP seating areas, corporate suites, public address and security systems, cooling and heating systems, and the stadium roof membrane.

Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, described the approvals as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to reposition sports as a tool for national development.

“These projects represent a bold step towards restoring Nigeria’s sporting glory and creating sustainable opportunities for future generations,” Dikko said.

He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is deliberately repositioning sports as a catalyst for youth empowerment, infrastructure development and economic growth, stressing that modern sporting infrastructure at both grassroots and elite levels remains central to achieving that vision.

Dikko also revealed that the President has approved the establishment of a National Sports Infrastructure Development Bond to mobilise funding for the sustainable redevelopment and maintenance of sports facilities nationwide.

Further approvals were granted for the establishment of a High-Performance Centre within the Moshood Abiola National Stadium complex. Other projects approved for the facility include the redevelopment of a 200-bed athletes’ hostel into a hotel complex designed to serve athletes and the general public while generating sustainable revenue.

The NSC also approved the rehabilitation of the swimming pool at Package B of the stadium, the construction of two new training pitches, the installation of internationally compliant floodlights, electronic advertising boards, pitch protection systems and the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to improve Nigeria’s readiness for international competitions.

In addition, contracts were approved for the construction of an anti-doping laboratory, the upgrade of sports medical facilities and the procurement of advanced medical equipment. The Commission also finalised plans for the construction of a new National Sports Centre to provide office accommodation for the NSC and various national sports federations.

Director-General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said the intervention goes beyond physical infrastructure.

“This is beyond infrastructure renewal. It is about building a complete sports ecosystem that supports talent discovery, athlete development, job creation and global competitiveness,” Olopade stated.

In a major policy shift, the Federal Government also approved direct support for states hosting the next three editions of the National Sports Festival, alongside funding for other critical sports infrastructure projects nationwide.

Enugu State, host of the next National Sports Festival later this year, is expected to benefit from the construction of an Olympic-size swimming pool, the upgrade of its indoor sports hall, rehabilitation of athletes’ hostels and other related infrastructure projects.

As part of efforts to strengthen grassroots sports development, the Commission approved the establishment of sports centres in 15 tertiary institutions across the six geopolitical zones. The initiative is expected to support talent identification and revive school sports through collaboration between the NSC and the Federal Ministry of Education.

Approval was also granted for the construction of 20 mini sports centres and mini stadiums in communities across the country. According to the Commission, the initiative is aimed at positively engaging youths, reducing social unrest, improving security and creating economic opportunities through sports participation and development.

The NSC said the first phase of projects reflects the Federal Government’s determination to transform sports into a viable economic sector capable of driving investment, job creation and national unity.

The Commission further disclosed that plans are at an advanced stage for the redevelopment of the National Stadium in Lagos through a public-private partnership arrangement, while discussions are ongoing with the Oyo State Government for the revamp of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan.

It also confirmed that redevelopment work is already ongoing at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna through a partnership between the NSC and the Kaduna State Government, with completion expected in 2027. Construction activities are also progressing at the new Bichi Stadium in Kano in collaboration with the National Assembly.

According to the Commission, engagements are ongoing with several state governments to provide technical support for the upgrade of sports facilities and the development of additional community sports infrastructure nationwide.

The NSC said the investments align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises youth empowerment, infrastructure renewal, economic diversification and sustainable national development through sports.

The Commission added that it would continue to pursue these objectives under the RHINSE framework — the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Economy — aimed at positioning sports as a strategic contributor to national growth and economic prosperity.