The Kaduna State government has commenced the full-scale reconstruction of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, following the formal transfer of ownership from the Federal Government to bring it to international standards.
Commissioner of Information-Designate, Ahmed Maiyaki, during an inspection tour of the facility in Kaduna, stated that the stadium, built in 1964, had fallen into a state of serious disrepair and could no longer host national, let alone continental or global sporting events.
According to him, the facility is not fit to host any national event, not to talk of continental or international tournaments, saying that the vision of Gov Uba Sani is to deliver an international standard stadium that will attract foreign investment, revive Kaduna’s sporting glory, and create jobs for our youths.
He noted that Kaduna has produced more than half of Nigeria’s national football team, including stars like Emmanuel and Celestine Babayaro, Tijani Babangida, and Garba Lawal, thanks to the quality of sports facilities available at the time.
While assuring the completion of the project within record time, he said, “we are bringing back history and glory. This stadium will be a source of revenue for the state and a catalyst for sporting and economic development.”
Commissioner for Sports Development, Prof. Benjamin Kumai Gugong, explained that the renovation, approved in the 2025 budget, will be executed in phases, explaining that the first phase will focus on the main bowl, two training pitches, a 48-room hostel, and courts for basketball, handball, beach football, and beach volleyball.
He stressed that the level of dilapidation is what informed the award of the contract, saying that once completed, ABS will be able to host both FIFA and CAF competitions.
Commissioner for Youth, Gloria Ibrahim, described the project as a strategic investment in human capital development, noting that sports remain one of the most viable platforms for wealth creation and talent discovery among young people.
She added, even now, the facility is not fit for training, so athletes have only been managing, believing that it’s better they endure for a short time and have a modern facility than continue with what we have.
