The National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Kaduna State government have signed a memorandum of understanding transferring the Ahmadu Bello Stadium to the state for immediate rehabilitation, following presidential approval.
The agreement will see the stadium’s seating capacity expanded from 12,000 to 32,000 as part of a comprehensive redevelopment plan.
In a statement issued by Kehinde Ajayi, Director of Media and Public Relations at the NSC, the commission’s Chairman, Shehu Dikko, signed on behalf of the commission, while Governor Uba Sani signed for the Kaduna State government.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dikko said the sports sector had recorded unprecedented growth under President Bola Tinubu.
“No fewer than 373 medals were won across sports in 2025, while over 140,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs were created,” the statement quoted Dikko as saying.
He added that sports development is now measured beyond medal counts, with a strategic target of contributing at least three percent annually to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
According to him, a one percent GDP contribution was achieved in the last two quarters of the previous year.
Dikko identified infrastructure as central to sustaining the sports economy and driving both elite and grassroots development.
“The commission adopted a strategy of partnering with the public and private sectors to upscale facilities nationwide.
“We commend the Kaduna governor for aligning with the federal government’s vision by taking over and commencing redevelopment of the stadium.
“The governor has moved to the site and has started major works following presidential approval. The project aligns with the sports city vision, with Moshood Abiola National Stadium serving as a pilot,” Dikko said.
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He further disclosed that the president had approved the establishment of the National Sports Infrastructure Development Board, which will mobilise funds for the revamp and construction of world-class sports facilities across the country.
According to him, the federal government aims to deliver at least one world-class facility in each of the six geopolitical zones, noting that discussions were ongoing regarding facilities in Lagos, Bauchi and Ibadan.
He added that engagements were also ongoing with other states to upgrade existing stadiums to international standards across Nigeria.
Gov. Sani commended the NSC’s leadership for repositioning Nigerian sports, stating that the redevelopment would transform the Ahmadu Bello Stadium into a world-class facility.
According to him, the old structure had been demolished to pave the way for a new state-of-the-art stadium with a 32,000 seating capacity.
He said the upgraded facility would attract top international sporting events to Kaduna State, boosting sports tourism and stimulating economic activities.
“I am optimistic that the project will be completed within eight months as work is ongoing round the clock to meet the completion target.
“I pledge my administration’s support to the NSC to realise the federal government’s sports development vision,” the statement quoted Sani as saying.
The governor described the Sports Infrastructure Development Board as a game changer for the sector, adding that the initiative would position Nigeria among leading sporting nations.
He reaffirmed Kaduna State’s commitment to harnessing the economic potential of sports for national development.
