The Federal Government has approved another major redevelopment project for the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja as part of efforts to improve sports infrastructure across the country.
The project, approved through the National Sports Commission (NSC), will involve the complete renewal of the stadium’s main pitch and tartan tracks, alongside upgrades to several facilities within the complex.
According to the government, the renovation will cover the rehabilitation of dressing rooms, media facilities, VIP and corporate suites, public address systems, security infrastructure, cooling and heating systems, as well as the restoration of the stadium’s roof membrane.
The MKO Abiola Stadium previously underwent extensive rehabilitation between 2020 and 2022 under the “Adopt-a-Pitch” initiative of the Ministry of Sports, funded by businessman Aliko Dangote.
In the 2026 budget, the Federal Government allocated N24.6 billion for broader structural rehabilitation works through the National Sports Commission.
Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, said the redevelopment aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of using sports as a tool for youth empowerment, economic development and infrastructure growth.
The project will also include the establishment of a High Performance Centre, conversion of the 200-bed athletes’ hostel into a hotel-style accommodation facility, rehabilitation of the swimming pool and construction of two additional training pitches.
Plans are also underway for the installation of modern floodlights, electronic advertising boards, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, anti-doping laboratories and upgraded sports medical facilities.
Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to build a comprehensive sports ecosystem that would promote talent development, job creation and international competitiveness.
The Federal Government also approved the construction of 20 mini sports centres across the country to encourage grassroots sports development and youth participation.
