The Kaduna state government has debunked allegations of contract racketeering and administrative misconduct in the ongoing plans to reconstruct the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious”.
Commissioner for Sports Development, Prof. Benjamin Kumai Gugong, in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Sunday, said the falsehoods were aimed at discrediting the administration of Governor Uba Sani and undermining the ministry’s work.
“Ordinarily, such baseless fabrications would be ignored, but when deliberate falsehood is peddled to undermine the integrity of the ministry and mislead the public, a firm rebuttal becomes necessary,” Gugong said.
According to him, the federal government officially handed over the stadium to Kaduna State earlier this year. The facility, he noted, was in “a deplorable condition and in urgent need of complete overhaul.”
He explained that it was the ministry that wrote to Governor Sani seeking approval to upgrade the stadium into a world-class facility that meets FIFA, CAF, and NFF standards.
“In May 2025, His Excellency approved the commencement of the procurement process, an initiative entirely championed by the Ministry,” he said.
Gugong dismissed claims that the Ministry was sidelined in the contract award process, stressing: “The assertion that the Ministry was not consulted in the award of contracts is an outright falsehood. The ministry not only initiated the project but was actively involved in every stage of the procurement, in strict adherence to the Kaduna State Public Procurement Authority (KADPPA) laws.”
The commissioner said the procurement process was “transparent, lawful, and guided solely by the interests of the people of Kaduna State.”
He accused the authors of the allegations of twisting facts “to create the impression of lack of due process”, adding: “Their narrative is nothing more than a desperate attempt to discredit the governor’s administration and the ministry’s work.”
Gugong assured that the reconstruction project will transform Kaduna into a premier sports destination in Nigeria, capable of hosting international sporting events.
“The Ahmadu Bello Stadium reconstruction will serve as a flagship project, bringing international sporting events to Kaduna, creating jobs, boosting the local economy, and inspiring our athletes,” he said.
He concluded by reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to “transparency, accountability, and the vision of a greater sporting future” for Kaduna, insisting, “We will not be distracted by falsehoods or petty mischief. Our focus is on delivering results.”
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