The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has outlined President Bola Tinubu’s vision to transform Nigeria’s sports infrastructure, focusing on revamping the country’s dilapidated stadiums.
The goal is to have at least six functional and FIFA-approved stadiums across Nigeria.
Currently, Nigeria can barely boast of one stadium that meets FIFA standards. However, under Tinubu’s new vision, the National Sports Commission aims to change this narrative.
Dikko said that the commission’s mandate includes fixing and maintaining Nigeria’s sporting infrastructure.
As a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) expert, Dikko believed he can create a framework to revive Nigeria’s national stadiums.
According to a statement on Tuesday from the commission, Dikko proposes partnering with the private sector to generate revenue and maintain the stadiums.
“We need to create something around the stadiums to have 24-hour activities, such as hotels, restaurants, and parks,” he explained.
Dikko lamented that past stadium constructions focused solely on building pitches, tracks, and seats without considering additional revenue-generating amenities.
He, however, disclosed that the National Sports Commission has over 2,500 hectares of land across the country, which can be utilized to attract private sector investment.
The commission’s vision includes having at least one FIFA-compliant stadium in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
This will enable the country to host international tournaments with minimal notice.
“We want to have six stadiums across the country, ready to host any international tournament within two weeks of notice,” Dikko said.
The immediate priority is to revamp the Abuja National Stadium and develop a framework for the National Stadium in Lagos.
Dikko emphasized the need for a holistic approach, incorporating private sector investment and innovative revenue streams.
The proposed partnership with the private sector is expected to bring significant benefits, including improved infrastructure, increased revenue, and job creation.
Dikko’s PPP expertise is considered a crucial factor in propelling this initiative forward.
Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria’s sports infrastructure is ambitious, but Dikko is confident that with the right framework and partnerships, the country can achieve its goals.
The success of this initiative will not only boost Nigeria’s sports sector but also contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.
The National Sports Commission’s efforts to revamp Nigeria’s stadiums are expected to gain momentum in the coming months.
As the commission works toward achieving President Tinubu’s vision, Nigerians can look forward to improved sports infrastructure and a renewed sense of national pride.
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