The National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Kaduna State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) transferring the Ahmadu Bello Stadium to the state for immediate rehabilitation.
The agreement, signed on Thursday following presidential approval, will increase the stadium’s capacity from 12,000 to 32,000.
A statement issued by Kehinde Ajayi, Director, Media & PR, NSC, stated that Malam Shehu Dikko, NSC Chairman, signed for the commission, while Gov. Uba Sani signed on behalf of the Kaduna State Government.
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.
According to him, sports is now measured beyond medals, with a target of contributing at least three per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually.
He said one per cent GDP contribution was achieved in the last two quarters of the previous year.
Dikko identified infrastructure as key to sustaining the sports economy and driving elite and grassroots development.
“The commission adopted a strategy of partnering 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, Abuja, serving as a pilot,” Dikko said.
He said the president had approved the establishment of the National Sports Infrastructure Development Board.
According to him, the board will mobilise funds for revamping and constructing world-class sports facilities nationwide.
He said the Federal Government targets at least one world-class facility in each of the six geopolitical zones, as discussions were ongoing regarding facilities in Lagos, Bauchi and Ibadan.
He added that engagements were also ongoing with other states to upgrade their stadiums to international standards.
In his remarks, Sani commended the NSC leadership for repositioning Nigerian sports, noting 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.
He said the upgraded facility would have a 32,000 seating capacity, as the project would thereafter attract top international sporting events to Kaduna State.
“It will boost sports tourism and stimulate 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.
He described the Sports Infrastructure Development Board as a game changer for the sector.
The Governor said 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.
