In a bold vision for Nigerian sports, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, recently unveiled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambitious goal: to transform Nigeria’s sporting landscape with at least six FIFA-approved stadiums across the country.

Presently, Nigeria struggles to maintain even one stadium that meets international standards, with many facilities languishing in poor condition. Dikko, leveraging his expertise in Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), is on a mission to reverse this trend, prioritizing sustainable renovations and world-class upgrades.

“Our approach isn’t just about building sports venues,” Dikko explained. “We’re reimagining stadiums as vibrant hubs with 24/7 activity, where private sector partnerships can generate revenue through added facilities like hotels, restaurants, and parks.” According to Dikko, the Commission has over 2,500 hectares of available land nationwide, which will serve as an incentive for private investment and development.

The primary focus is to ensure each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones has at least one FIFA-compliant stadium, enabling the country to host international events on short notice. Immediate attention will go to revitalizing the Abuja Stadium, while a comprehensive plan is also in place to elevate Lagos’s National Stadium.

With this vision, Nigeria aims to secure a future where it’s well-equipped to host international tournaments and foster a thriving sports culture, bringing both prestige and economic benefits to the nation.