Kaduna Kicks Off Full Reconstruction Of Ahmadu Bello Stadium
The Kaduna State Government has commenced the long-anticipated total overhaul of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, pledging to upgrade the 61-year-old sports venue into a modern complex fit for both continental and global competitions.
This development comes after the Federal Government officially transferred ownership of the facility to the state, ending years of lobbying by past Kaduna administrations.
During a facility inspection on Wednesday, the state’s Commissioner of Information-designate, Ahmed Maiyaki, expressed disappointment at the stadium’s current condition.
Once a breeding ground for Nigeria’s football greats, the arena now falls short of basic requirements for hosting national events.
“This stadium is nowhere near the standard for national, let alone international, tournaments,” Maiyaki said, pointing to cracked terraces, worn-out seating, and neglected training pitches.
According to him, Governor Uba Sani’s vision is to restore Kaduna’s sporting reputation, attract foreign investment, and create jobs by delivering a world-class stadium.
Commissioned in 1964 and named after the late Premier of the defunct Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the stadium once hosted major sporting events in the 1980s and 1990s, serving as the home ground for leading Nigerian clubs and the national team.
Maiyaki recalled an era when Kaduna produced many of the nation’s top footballers, including Emmanuel and Celestine Babayaro, Tijani Babangida, and Garba Lawal.
“We’re bringing back those glory days. This facility will not only generate revenue but also boost sports and the state’s economy,” he said, noting that the project goes beyond prestige.
He emphasised that sports is a viable business, and an upgraded Ahmadu Bello Stadium will attract sponsorships, tournaments, tourism, and opportunities in hospitality, retail, and transportation — with far-reaching economic benefits for Kaduna.
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