National Sports Commission (NSC) chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko is beaming with delight, following the approval of renovation of Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja and other structures across the country.
Sports247 gathered that the approvals were ratified during the latest meeting of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Tenders Board, which gave the nod to a series of major projects across the country.
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The areas of renovation at Moshood Abiola National Stadium will cover tartan tracks, dressing rooms, media centre, VIP pavilion, corporate suites, public address system, security sturctures, roof membrane and cooling ducts.
Dikko pointed out that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sees sports as a critical tool for youth empowerment, economic growth and national infrastructure development, hence several approvals that were initiated this week.
The NSC’s top shot further disclosed that President Tinubu has also approved the establishment of National Sports Infrastructure Development Bond to ensure sustainable funding of renovation, redevelopment and long-term maintenance of sports facilities across the country.
He added, “Beyond the rehabilitation of the stadium, the Federal Government also approved the establishment of a High-Performance Centre within the Abuja stadium complex, to strengthen athlete preparation and elite performance development.
“Other projects approved include the redevelopment of a 200-bed athletes’ hostel into a modern hotel facility, rehabilitation of a swimming pool at Package B of the stadium complex, construction of two new training pitches, and upgrade of sports medical facilities with modern equipment.”
Sports247 gathered further that the Federal Government has also approved plans to rebuild and rehabilitate Muda Lawal Stadium, Abeokuta, in a move that is widely seen as according special recognition to a Nigerian football legend who was part of the 1980 Nations Cup winning team.
The NSC’s to brass also revealed approval for construction of a National Sports Centre that will provide offices for the Commission and various sports federations, while contracts for an anti-doping laboratory have been concluded.
Dikko further pointed out that Moshood Abiola Stadium complex is expected to benefit from installation of floodlights that meet international standards, as well as electronic advertising boards, protective pitch covers, and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, as Nigeria intensifies efforts to improve its readiness for major international competitions.
