- NSC plans to revamp National Stadium and other sports facilities through public-private partnerships.
- Dikko emphasizes sports infrastructure as key to Nigeria’s economy and job creation.
- Sports sector budget increased by 227% in 2025 to support nationwide facility upgrades.
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), has committed to revamping the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, and other sports facilities across Nigeria through public-private partnerships (PPP).
This announcement followed an impromptu visit to the stadium, as part of efforts to concession the venue for rehabilitation and conversion into a multi-purpose sports, entertainment, and commercial hub.
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Dikko expressed disappointment over the stadium’s neglect despite its historical significance and potential, but acknowledged philanthropist Chief Kessington Adebutu’s contribution to the facility’s partial revival under the “adopt a facility” initiative.
The NSC is actively seeking investors for the stadium’s concessioning and to develop surrounding land into a sports city.
Dikko emphasized that the National Sports Commission, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to breathe new life into the National Stadium and other key sports infrastructures through sustainable PPPs.
Other stadiums slated for rehabilitation include the Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa, Obafemi Awolowo, and Nnamdi Azikiwe stadiums, with plans for the MKO Abiola Stadium to be fully rehabilitated in 2025.
Dikko’s announcement aligns with President Tinubu’s substantial increase in the sports sector’s budget, growing from N29bn in 2024 to N94bn in 2025, reflecting a 227% rise.
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This funding boost will support the construction of 100 mini-stadiums and the restoration of national stadiums, aiming to create up to three million jobs and contribute about 3% to Nigeria’s GDP.
The NSC’s efforts also include restructuring the sports sector framework to global standards, with oversight from Kabiru Amadu, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, who called for careful allocation of funds to tackle Nigeria’s sports infrastructure challenges.
