The Federal Government of Nigeria has earmarked more than ₦24 billion for the comprehensive rehabilitation and upgrade of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, as part of the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) proposed ₦203.6 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year.
The allocation is intended to fund major improvements to the stadium’s main bowl (Phase I), the completion of a high-performance centre for athletes, construction of a sports secretariat, and related supporting infrastructure.
These enhancements aim to bring the facility up to international standards, address long-standing maintenance issues, and position Nigeria to host major global sporting events while boosting local talent development.
The Moshood Abiola National Stadium, a multipurpose venue with a capacity of over 60,000, has long served as the home ground for the Super Eagles and a hub for various national and international competitions.
However, years of neglect have left parts of the complex in disrepair, prompting renewed government focus on revival under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The broader ₦203.6 billion NSC budget reflects a strategic push to rejuvenate Nigeria’s sports infrastructure nationwide.
This includes upgrades to other key facilities such as the National Stadium in Surulere (Lagos), Ahmadu Bello Stadium (Kaduna), Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium (Enugu), and Yakubu Gowon Stadium (Port Harcourt), alongside the development of mini sports centres across the six geopolitical zones.
The initiative falls under the National Sports Infrastructure Development Plan and aligns with efforts to elevate athletic performance, restore hosting capabilities for events like the African Games or World Cup qualifiers, and contribute to the growth of the sports sector as a key economic driver.
Recent reports indicate that while earlier budget provisions (such as in 2025) targeted specific phases like the main bowl rehabilitation at around ₦12.7 billion and high-performance centre completion at ₦4 billion, the 2026 allocation consolidates and expands these efforts to exceed ₦24 billion for the Abuja venue alone.
This comes amid ongoing discussions on privatizing or concessional management of national stadiums to ensure sustainable maintenance.
The NSC has emphasized that these investments will not only revive dilapidated facilities but also create jobs, inspire youth participation in sports, and enhance Nigeria’s global sporting reputation.
Implementation is expected to proceed pending final approval and disbursement in the 2026 fiscal framework.
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