FG approves massive upgrade of Moshood Abiola stadium, sports facilities nationwide
...The projects represent more than just infrastructure renewal – Bukola Olopade
By Maxwell Kumoye
The Federal Government has approved a sweeping upgrade of sports infrastructure across Nigeria, with the rehabilitation of the iconic Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja, taking centre stage in a renewed drive to reposition the country’s sporting facilities to international standards.
The approvals were ratified at the National Sports Commission (NSC) Tenders Board Meeting, where a series of major projects aimed at revamping key facilities and boosting athlete development received the green light.
At the heart of the initiative is the complete reconstruction of the Abuja stadium pitch, which has come under criticism in recent years due to its poor condition and limited usability for Nigeria’s national teams.
The tartan tracks will also be rehabilitated, while other critical sections of the stadium, including dressing rooms, the media centre, VIP areas, corporate suites, public address systems, security systems, roof membrane, and cooling and heating systems, are set for comprehensive upgrades.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, described the projects as a major milestone in the country’s quest to restore its sporting glory.
According to Dikko, the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu sees sports as a critical tool for youth empowerment, economic growth, and national infrastructure development.
He further disclosed that President Tinubu had approved the establishment of a National Sports Infrastructure Development Bond to ensure sustainable funding for the renovation, redevelopment, and long-term maintenance of sports facilities across the country.
Beyond the rehabilitation of the stadium, the Federal Government also approved the establishment of a High Performance Centre within the Abuja stadium complex to strengthen athlete preparation and elite performance development.
Other projects approved include the redevelopment of a 200-bed athletes’ hostel into a modern hotel facility, rehabilitation of the swimming pool at Package B of the stadium complex, construction of two new training pitches, and the upgrade of sports medical facilities with modern equipment.
In another landmark move, the Federal Government, through the NSC, also approved plans to rebuild and rehabilitate the iconic Muda Lawal Stadium in Abeokuta, a development widely seen as a special recognition of one of Nigeria’s greatest football legends, Muda Lawal.
The Commission also gave approval for the construction of a National Sports Centre that will provide office accommodation for the NSC and various sports federations, while contracts for the establishment of an anti-doping laboratory have also been concluded.
Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, said the projects represent more than just infrastructure renewal, stressing that the initiative is designed to create a complete sports ecosystem capable of driving talent development, job creation, and global competitiveness.
The Moshood Abiola Stadium complex is also expected to benefit from the installation of modern floodlights that meet international standards, electronic advertising boards, protective pitch covers, and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology as Nigeria intensifies efforts to improve its readiness for major international competitions and sporting events.
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