The Federal Government has set a target to deliver at least one world-class sports stadium in each of Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has said.
Dikko disclosed this on Thursday in Kaduna after the NSC and the Kaduna State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding transferring the Ahmadu Bello Stadium to the state for immediate rehabilitation and upgrade.
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According to him, the plan forms part of a broader federal strategy to reposition sports as a key economic driver, with infrastructure development at its core.
He said the Federal Government is already in discussions over potential facilities in Lagos, Bauchi and Ibadan, while engagements are ongoing with other states to meet international standards.
“The goal is clear—one world-class sports facility in each geo-political zone,” Dikko said, adding that the initiative would be driven through public-private partnerships to mobilise funding and ensure sustainability.
He noted that the redevelopment of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium aligns with the Federal Government’s sports city vision, with the Moshood Abiola National Stadium serving as the pilot project.
Under the agreement, the Kaduna State Government will expand the stadium’s seating capacity from 12,000 to 32,000 and deliver a modern, state-of-the-art facility capable of hosting major international competitions.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani welcomed the initiative, describing the project as a boost for sports tourism and economic activity in the state.
He said construction work had already commenced and expressed confidence that the project would be completed within eight months.
The Federal Government recently approved the establishment of a National Sports Infrastructure Development Board, which Dikko said would play a central role in funding and coordinating the construction and rehabilitation of world-class sports facilities nationwide.
