FG approves fresh overhaul of MKO Abiola Stadium

The Federal Government has approved another major redevelopment of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as part of efforts to reposition sports infrastructure in the country.
The latest intervention, approved through the National Sports Commission (NSC), will involve a complete renewal of the main pitch and tartan tracks, alongside upgrades to key facilities within the stadium complex.
The project will cover the rehabilitation of dressing rooms, the media centre, VIP and corporate suites, public address and security systems, cooling and heating facilities, as well as the restoration of the roof membrane.
The stadium underwent major rehabilitation between 2020 and 2022 under the Ministry of Sports’ “Adopt-a-Pitch” initiative funded by businessman Aliko Dangote.
In 2026, the Federal Government earmarked N24.6 billion for broader structural rehabilitation through the NSC.
Chairman of the commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, said the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of using sports for youth empowerment, economic growth and infrastructure development.
The intervention will further include the establishment of a High Performance Centre, conversion of the 200-bed athletes’ hostel into a hotel-style facility, rehabilitation of the swimming pool, and construction of two new training pitches.
Plans are equally underway for the installation of international-standard floodlights, electronic advertising boards, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, anti-doping laboratories, and upgraded sports medical facilities.
The Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, described the initiative as a comprehensive sports ecosystem aimed at talent development, job creation, and global competitiveness.
The Federal Government further approved the construction of 20 mini sports centres nationwide to promote grassroots sports development and youth engagement.

المصدر: Daily Trust (NG)