National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced a plan to overhaul sports infrastructure across the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that Chairman of NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko made the announcement while speaking to journalists in Lagos on Thursday.
Dikko declared the government’s commitment to fixing and upgrading sports facilities to ensure they meet international standards and serve athletes and communities well.
He also announced the plan to set up the National Stadium Infrastructure Development and Management Board that will ensure intervention and maintenance of sports facilities.
The chairman said, “First and foremost, we need to fix the Abuja Stadium.”
“It’s our national stadium, and we want it to be a place where our athletes can train and prepare well for tournaments.”
“There are additional budget lines we can allocate to repair and improve other stadiums across the country. Part of our vision is that every stadium and sporting facility in Nigeria should be accessible to everyone—there should be no distinction between state and national facilities.”
“National sports are played everywhere, so we will also collaborate with state governors to ensure that the facilities in their states are functional.”
Dikko said the plan includes building mini-stadiums and sports complexes within local communities.
He added, “Unlike in the past, when new facilities were often built outside neighbourhoods, we want to work within communities, upgrading existing playgrounds and schools to establish sports complexes that benefit both schools and local residents.”
The chairman said National Stadium Infrastructure Development and Management Board will consist of experts who will explore different layers of opportunities to ensure upgrading and maintenance of sports facilities across the country.
