Why we took over Ahmadu Bello stadium from FG — Kaduna govt

The Kaduna State Government has said the vision of Governor Uba Sani to make Ahmadu Bello Stadium attractive to international and continental tournaments (FIFA and CAF) informed the decision to take over the stadium from the federal government.

It said the decision will also attract foreign investment, revive Kaduna’s sporting glory and create jobs for the youth.

This was made known by the Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, when conducting a tour of the stadium as a full-scale reconstruction of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS) began following the formal transfer of ownership from the Federal Government.

Maiyaki, said the stadium, built in 1964, had fallen into a state of serious disrepair and could no longer host national, let alone continental or global sporting events.

“This facility is not fit to host any national event, not to talk of continental or international tournaments,” Maiyaki said. “The vision of Governor Uba Sani is to deliver an international standard stadium that will attract foreign investment, revive Kaduna’s sporting glory, and create jobs for our youths.”

He noted that at its peak, Kaduna produced more than half of Nigeria’s national football team, including stars such as Emmanuel and Celestine Babayaro, Tijani Babangida, and Garba Lawal—thanks to the quality of sports facilities available at the time.

“We are bringing back the history and glory. This stadium will be a source of revenue for the state and a catalyst for sporting and economic development,” Maiyaki added, assuring that the project will be completed within record time.

Commissioner for Sports Development, Prof. Benjamin Kumai Gugong, explained that the renovation, approved in the 2025 budget, will be executed in phases. The first phase will focus on the main bowl, two training pitches, a 48-room hostel, and courts for basketball, handball, beach football, and beach volleyball.

“The level of dilapidation is what informed the award of this contract,” Gugong said. “Once completed, ABS will be able to host both FIFA and CAF competitions.”

Commissioner for Youth, Gloria Ibrahim, described the project as a strategic investment in human capital development, noting that sports remain one of the most viable platforms for wealth creation and talent discovery among young people.

“Even now, this facility is not fit for training, so athletes have only been managing. It’s better we endure for a short time and have a modern facility than continue with what we have,” she said.

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