Kaduna Begins Reconstruction Of Ahmadu Bello Stadium

The Kaduna State Government has begun the long-awaited full-scale reconstruction of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, promising to transform the dilapidated 61-year-old facility into a world-class sports complex capable of hosting both continental and international tournaments.

The move followed the formal transfer of ownership of the stadium from the Federal Government to the state after years of agitation by successive administrations in Kaduna.

Speaking during an inspection tour of the facility on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Information-designate, Ahmed Maiyaki, lamented the current state of the once-proud arena, which has produced some of Nigeria’s brightest football stars but has now fallen far behind modern sporting infrastructure standards.

“This facility is not fit to host any national event, not to talk of continental or international tournaments,” Maiyaki said bluntly, surveying the cracked terraces, faded seats, and overgrown training pitches.

“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.”

The Ahmadu Bello Stadium, named after the late Premier of defunct Norther region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, was commissioned in 1964 and served as a hub for top-flight sporting activities for decades.

At its peak in the 1980s and 1990s, the facility regularly hosted international matches and was the home ground for famous Nigerian clubs and the national football team.

Maiyaki recalled the days when Kaduna dominated Nigerian football, producing more than half of the country’s senior national team.

“Names like Emmanuel and Celestine Babayaro, Tijani Babangida, Garba Lawal – they all emerged from here, thanks to the quality of facilities available then.

“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,” he said.

The Information Commissioner-designate said the government was not embarking on the project for prestige alone, but to build a viable economic asset for the state.

“Sports is big business. An upgraded ABS will attract sponsorship, host tournaments, boost tourism, and provide opportunities for hospitality, retail, and transport sectors. The ripple effects will be massive,” he added.

Although the government did not disclose the total cost of the reconstruction, sources within the Sports Ministry hinted that the project was designed to be completed “within record time” to ensure Kaduna does not miss out on hosting rights for upcoming national and continental events.

Maiyaki assured that Governor Uba Sani was personally committed to the timely delivery of the project. “The Governor has made it clear that there will be no abandoned projects under his watch. This is a priority facility for him,” he said.

The Commissioner for Sports Development, Prof. Benjamin Gugong, provided details of the reconstruction plan, which is being implemented under the 2025 state budget.

According to him, the project will be executed in phases, starting with the main bowl – which includes the pitch, stands, and floodlights – as well as two training pitches, a 48-room hostel for athletes, and modern courts for basketball, handball, beach football, and beach volleyball.

“The level of dilapidation is what informed the award of this contract. This stadium’s facilities are well below the standards required by FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Once completed, ABS will be able to host both FIFA and CAF competitions without any waiver or special approval,” he said.

He assured that the project design was developed in line with international best practices, taking into account player safety, spectator comfort, and media broadcasting requirements. “We have consulted with experts to ensure every component meets global benchmarks,” he added.

For the Commissioner for Youth, Gloria Ibrahim, the reconstruction was not just about concrete and steel, but about nurturing the next generation of Nigerian sports stars.

“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,” Ibrahim said.

She described the project as a strategic investment in human capital development.

“Sports remains one of the most viable platforms for wealth creation and talent discovery among young people. Once completed, this stadium will become a magnet for scouts, clubs, and academies looking for the next Babayaro or Babangida,” she added.

Kaduna Begins Reconstruction Of Ahmadu Bello Stadium is first published on The Whistler Newspaper