Former Senator of Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has voiced his apprehensions regarding the recent financial allocation for the renovation of the Abuja National Stadium.
Reports indicate that the Federal Government has earmarked over N12 billion for the refurbishment of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. This initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed N49.7 trillion “Budget of Restoration” for 2025, which was presented to the 10th National Assembly.
Budget documents reveal that the National Sports Commission (NSC) is set to allocate N12,772,951,242 from its total budget of N94,947,006,325 specifically for the upgrade of the stadium’s main bowl. Additionally, N4.5 billion is designated for the construction of a sports secretariat at the stadium, while N3.65 billion is earmarked for acquiring official vehicles and other utilities. Furthermore, N1.2 billion is set aside for establishing a National Olympic Committee (NOC) headquarters in Abuja.
In response to this development, especially in light of the increasing hardships faced by Nigerians, Sani took to his X account on Sunday to remark that the stadium had previously undergone renovation by Aliko Dangote in 2022.
He expressed doubts about the 2025 budget allocation, noting that Dangote had completed the renovation of the same stadium for just $1 million. “In 2022, Dangote renovated the Abuja stadium with $1 million, and now I hear it is included among those slated for renovation with N31 billion in 2025. I will investigate where the renovations will take place,” he stated.
