By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission, has approved a series of major sports infrastructure projects and development initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s sports sector and upgrading facilities across the country to international standards.
The approvals were ratified during the Commission’s Tenders Board Meeting, where several projects and contracts targeted at revitalising critical sports infrastructure nationwide received clearance.
Among the key projects approved is the comprehensive redevelopment of the pitch at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, whose deteriorating condition has affected its use by Nigeria’s national teams in recent years.
The project will also cover the rehabilitation of the stadium’s tartan tracks, dressing rooms, media centre, VIP seating areas, corporate suites, public address and security systems, cooling and heating systems, and roof membrane.
Chairman of the Commission, Shehu Dikko, described the projects as a bold step toward restoring Nigeria’s sporting glory and creating opportunities for young people.
According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is deliberately repositioning sports as a catalyst for youth empowerment, infrastructure development and economic growth.
Dikko disclosed that the Federal Government had also approved the establishment of a National Sports Infrastructure Development Bond to raise funds for the sustainable redevelopment and maintenance of sports facilities across the country.
He added that the initiative represented only the first phase of a broader sports infrastructure renewal programme.
The Commission also approved the establishment of a High Performance Centre within the Abuja stadium complex, alongside the redevelopment of a 200-bed athletes’ hostel into a hotel facility expected to serve athletes and generate revenue.
Other approved projects include the rehabilitation of the swimming pool at Package B of the stadium, construction of two new training pitches, installation of modern floodlights, electronic advertising boards, pitch protection covers, and the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology.
Additionally, contracts were approved for the construction of an anti-doping laboratory, upgrading of sports medical facilities with advanced medical equipment, and the development of a National Sports Centre to provide office spaces for the Commission and sports federations.
Director-General of the Commission, Bukola Olopade, said the projects go beyond infrastructure renewal.
According to him, the initiative is designed to build a complete sports ecosystem capable of supporting talent discovery, athlete development, job creation and international competitiveness.
In another major decision, the Federal Government approved direct support for states hosting the next three editions of the National Sports Festival as part of efforts to ensure world-class hosting standards and boost grassroots sports development.
Under the arrangement, Enugu State, host of the next National Sports Festival, will receive support for the construction of an Olympic-size swimming pool, upgrade of its indoor sports hall, and rehabilitation of athletes’ hostels, among other projects.
The Commission further approved the establishment of sports centres across 15 tertiary institutions nationwide to strengthen talent identification and development in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education.
Approval was equally granted for the construction of 20 mini sports centres and mini stadiums across various communities in the country to positively engage youths, enhance security, and create economic opportunities through sports.
The Commission stated that ongoing and planned projects also include the redevelopment of the National Stadium Lagos, the revamp of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in partnership with the Oyo State Government, and the ongoing reconstruction of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government.
Work is also ongoing at the Bichi Stadium through collaboration between the Commission and the National Assembly.
The Commission said the massive investment aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises youth empowerment, infrastructure renewal, economic diversification and national development through sports.
It added that the projects would be implemented under the RHINSE (Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Economy) framework aimed at transforming sports into a viable contributor to national economic growth.
