From Bauchi To Lagos: NSC Targets Transformation Of Nigeria’s Stadium Infrastructure

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has announced the commencement of renovation works at various national stadiums across the country to revitalize the sports sector.

Dikko expressed concern over the dilapidated state of national stadiums, noting that most facilities have suffered decades of neglect without significant upgrades, leading to severe infrastructure decay.

In a statement released on Sunday following his tour of national stadiums, Dikko highlighted his visit to the iconic National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. He revealed that efforts are underway to concession the stadium to private investors for rehabilitation and transformation into a multi-purpose sporting, entertainment, and commercial hub.

“It’s disheartening that a national treasure of this magnitude has been left to deteriorate despite its rich history and potential to become a world-class sporting and entertainment center,” he remarked.

Dikko reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to revitalizing the sports sector, enhancing athlete performance, and generating revenue in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s policies.

“The NSC is actively working to fast-track the concessioning process for the stadium and attract serious investors to develop the extensive land within the complex. Our goal is to create a thriving sports city in line with global best practices,” he said.

He further emphasized that under the RHINSE (Renewed Hope for Nigeria’s Sports Economy) program and the broader Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, national stadiums and other sporting infrastructures will be rejuvenated through sustainable public-private partnerships and concession programs, complemented by investor-friendly incentives.

Dikko disclosed that renovations are already underway at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi, and Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan (Liberty Stadium), while the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu remains under the management of the state government.