The Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission (NIS), has approved a series of landmark sports infrastructure projects and developmental initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigerian sports and restoring the nation’s sporting facilities to world-class standards.
The approvals were part of resolutions reached at the National Sports Commission’s Tenders Board Meeting, where key projects and contracts were ratified to rejuvenate critical sports infrastructure across the country.
Top on the list is the complete revamp and redevelopment of the pitch at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, whose poor condition has limited its usage by Nigeria’s national teams in recent years. The tartan tracks at the stadium will also be revamped to bring the main bowl to an appreciable level, serving other sports. Likewise other key key infrastructures of the stadium such as dressing rooms, media centre, VIP seating and corporate suites, PA and security systems, cooling and heating systems, roof membrane would all receive relevant upgrades.
Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko stated that “these projects represent a bold step towards restoring Nigeria’s sporting glory and creating sustainable opportunities for future generations. Mr. President is deliberately repositioning sports as a catalyst for youth empowerment, infrastructure development and economic growth and adequate sporting infrastructure both at the grassroots and elite levels is key to this vission. Indeed, this massive and unprecedented sports infrastructure revamp is just the first phase as Mr. President have already approved the establishment of the National Sports Infrastructure Development Bond so as to raise funds to ensure the sustainable revamp, redevelopment and maintenance of the country key sports infrastructure across all levels. History will definitely be kind to Mr. President for the ongoing bold and evidently successful reforms and reset of the Nigeria socio-economic fabric including sports sector”
In further demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to sports development, approvals were also granted for the establishment of a High Performance Centre at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. Other projects approved for the stadium complex include the redevelopment and completion of the a 200-bed athletes’ hostel to a proper hotel complex to serve both the athletes and also the public to generate revenues on a sustainable levels, the rehabilitation of the swimming pool at Package B of the stadium, and the construction of two new training pitches among other key facilities within the complex to bring the stadium to the best levels.
The construction of the Anti-doping lab and the revamping of the commission sports medical facilities as well as provision of advance medial equipments were also awarded. The award for the construction of the National sports centre to provide additional offices to the commision and offices to all the sports federations is also concluded.
DG of the Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade said “this is beyond infrastructure renewal, it is about building a complete sports ecosystem that supports talent discovery, athlete development, job creation, and global competitiveness.”
The stadium will also benefit from the installation of upgraded floodlights that meet international standards, provision of electronic advertising boards, protective cover for the pitch to ensure its safety during other events and programs and enable to stadium to host big concerts and event to earn revenues, as well as the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to enhance Nigeria’s readiness for international games and tournaments.
In a historic move, the Federal Government also approved direct support for states hosting the next three editions of the National Sports Festival and other critical sports infrastructures across the county.
As part of this initiative, Enugu State, which will host the next National Sports Festival later this year will receive support for the construction of an Olympic-size swimming pool, upgrade of its indoor sports hall, rehabilitation of athletes’ hostels, alongside other critical sporting infrastructure and support projects.