The National Sports Commission and the Kaduna government signed a memorandum of understanding for the transfer of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium to the latter for rehabilitation.

The agreement, signed on Thursday following presidential approval, will increase the stadium’s capacity from 12,000 to 32,000.

A statement by Kehinde Ajayi, spokesman for NSC, stated that Shehu Dikko, the commission’s chairman, signed for the commission, while Governor Uba Sani signed on behalf of the Kaduna government.

Mr Dikko said the sports sector had recorded unprecedented growth under President Bola Tinubu.

“No fewer than 373 medals were won across sports in 2025, while over 140,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs were created,” the statement quoted Mr Dikko as saying.

According to him, sports are now measured beyond medals, with a target of contributing at least three per cent to the nation’s gross domestic product annually.

He said a 1% contribution to GDP was achieved in the last two quarters of the previous year.

Mr Dikko identified infrastructure as key to sustaining the sports economy and driving elite and grassroots development.

“The commission adopted a strategy of partnering the public and private sectors to upscale facilities nationwide.

“We commend the Kaduna governor for aligning with the federal government’s vision by taking over and commencing redevelopment of the stadium.

“The governor has moved to the site and has started major works following presidential approval. The project aligns with the sports city vision, with Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, serving as a pilot,” Mr Dikko said.

He said that the president had approved the establishment of the National Sports Infrastructure Development Board.

According to Mr Dikko, the board will mobilise funds to revamp and construct world-class sports facilities nationwide. He said the federal government targets at least one world-class facility in each of the six geopolitical zones, as discussions were ongoing regarding facilities in Lagos, Bauchi and Ibadan.

Mr Dikko added that engagements were also ongoing with other states to upgrade their stadiums to international standards.

Mr Sani commended the NSC leadership for repositioning sports, noting that the redevelopment would transform the stadium into a world-class facility. According to him, the old structure had been demolished to pave the way for a new state-of-the-art stadium.

He said the upgraded facility would have a seating capacity of 32,000, as the project would thereafter attract top international sporting events to Kaduna.

“It will boost sports tourism and stimulate economic activities. I am optimistic that the project will be completed within eight months, as work is ongoing round the clock to meet the completion target. I pledge my administration’s support to the NSC to realise the federal government’s sports development vision,” said Mr Sani.

(NAN)