Kaduna State Takes Over Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Major National Sports Infrastructure Push

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has formally transferred control of Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna to the Kaduna State Government to begin an extensive upgrade that will transform the long-standing sports facility into a modern arena with a 32,000-seat capacity.

Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed on Thursday with presidential approval, NSC Chairman Malam Shehu Dikko and Governor Uba Sani agreed that the state will lead the rehabilitation of the stadium. Therefore, demolishing the old structure to make way for a world-class facility capable of hosting top international competitions.

Dikko highlighted the growing importance of sports to Nigeria’s economy, noting that the sector recorded 373 medals and created more than 140,000 jobs in 2025, and outlining plans for infrastructure investment to help drive sports’ contribution to national GDP.

Governor Sani describes the redevelopment as a boost for sports tourism and economic activity in Kaduna, with work already underway and an eight-month target set for completion of the main project.

The stadium upgrade is part of a broader federal initiative to establish at least one world-class sports facility in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with discussions ongoing on similar projects in Lagos, Bauchi and Ibadan.

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