Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has unveiled President Bola Tinubu’s strategic plans to refurbish sports infrastructures across the country.
Nigeria currently boast one stadium that meets FIFA standards, but Dikko said the plans are to have at least six functional and FIFA-approved stadiums across Nigeria.
He said the National Sports Commission (NSC’s) mandate included fixing and maintaining Nigeria’s sporting infrastructure.
According to him, as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) expert, he would create a framework to revive Nigeria’s national stadia with the private sector to generate revenue and maintain the stadia.
“We need to create something around the stadia to have 24-hour activities, such as hotels, restaurants, and parks,” he said.
Dikko lamented that past stadium constructions focused solely on building pitches, tracks, and seats without considering additional revenue-generating amenities.
He, however, disclosed that the National Sports Commission has over 2,500 hectares of land across the country, which can be utilized to attract private sector investment.
The commission’s vision includes having at least one FIFA-compliant stadium in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
This will enable the country to host international tournaments with minimal notice.
“We want to have six stadiums across the country, ready to host any international tournament within two weeks of notice,” Dikko said.
The immediate priority is to revamp the Abuja National Stadium and develop a framework for the National Stadium in Lagos.
Dikko emphasized the need for a holistic approach, incorporating private sector investment and innovative revenue streams.
The proposed partnership with the private sector is expected to bring significant benefits, including improved infrastructure, increased revenue, and job creation.
