From Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
Kaduna State Commissioner for Sports Development, Professor Benjamin Kumai Gugong, has announced that Kaduna State has secured full ownership, custody, and control of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, marking a historic milestone in the state’s sports development journey.
The announcement was made during a press briefing in Kaduna, where Gugong clarified that the previous administration had secured only custody and control of the stadium.
The current administration, led by Governor Uba Sani, according to him, has taken a definitive step by obtaining full ownership.
According to Gugong, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) transferring ownership was signed on February 26, 2026, by Governor Uba Sani and National Sports Commission Chairman Malam Shehu Dikko at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Gugong expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the enabling environment for the transfer, saying it aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Kaduna State Government has already commenced the comprehensive reconstruction and modernization of the stadium, expanding its seating capacity from 16,000 to 32,000 seats, making it the second-largest stadium in Nigeria.
The project aims to transform the facility into a world-class, FIFA-standard sporting complex, incorporating upgraded facilities, modern infrastructure, and commercial components to support sustainability and revenue generation.
Gugong stated that the transformation will have a multidimensional impact, including growth of the sports ecosystem, job creation, economic stimulation, youth empowerment, and social cohesion.
The facility is expected to host national and international tournaments, restore Kaduna’s status as a sporting hub, and provide opportunities for talent discovery and grassroots sports development.
Governor Sani’s administration has secured full transfer of ownership, custody, and control of the stadium, aligning with the state’s vision to consolidate critical public assets for sustainable development and long-term economic growth.
The project is a symbol of collaborative governance and shared national purpose.
The National Sports Commission Chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, praised Governor Sani’s leadership and commitment to sports development. At the same time, the Kaduna State Government thanked President Tinubu and the National Sports Commission for their support.
The state government has assured stakeholders of its commitment to delivering transformative, measurable results and building a sustainable sports economy for generations to come.
Speaking to journalists at the site, the project manager/consultant for Kaima Construction, Mr. Walter Presser, promised to deliver the project before the end of 2025, with work currently above 30% completion.
According to him, the project, which was approved in the 2025 budget, will be executed in phases, with the first phase focusing on the main bowl, two training pitches, a 48-room hostel, and courts for basketball, handball, beach football, and beach volleyball.
Similarly, Commissioner for Sports Development, Prof. Benjamin Kumai Gugong, expressed satisfaction with the quality and scope of work and assured that once completed, the stadium will meet FIFA and CAF hosting standards.
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