Kaduna Begins Reconstruction of Ahmadu Bello Stadium
The Kaduna State Government has officially commenced the full reconstruction of the iconic Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS), marking a new chapter for the 61-year-old facility that once stood as a pride of Nigerian sports.
Governor Uba Sani’s administration moved forward with the project following the stadium’s formal handover from the Federal Government in January 2023 under the National Sports Industry Policy.
Built in 1964 and designed by renowned architects Jane Drew and Maxwell Fry, ABS has hosted major events including the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship and the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup. In recent years, however, it had fallen into disrepair, rendering it unfit for major national and international events.
According to the state’s Commissioner-designate for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, the reconstruction aims to transform the stadium into a world-class venue that will not only revive Kaduna’s sporting glory but also attract investments, boost tourism, and create jobs.
The first phase of the project, approved in the 2025 budget, includes the renovation of the main stadium bowl, construction of two modern training pitches, a 48-room hostel for athletes, and the installation of new courts for basketball, handball, beach football, and beach volleyball.
Commissioner for Sports Development, Prof. Benjamin Kumai Gugong, confirmed that the upgrades will meet both FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.
Commissioner for Youth, Gloria Ibrahim, emphasized that the project is an investment in human capital, noting that modern sports infrastructure will provide opportunities for talent discovery, career growth, and wealth creation for young people.
The Kaduna State Government has already allocated N2 billion to kick-start the reconstruction, with the work to be executed in phases until completion. Once finished, the upgraded Ahmadu Bello Stadium is expected to position Kaduna as a leading sports hub in Nigeria, capable of hosting top-tier local, continental, and global events while reigniting the state’s rich tradition of producing football stars such as the Babayaro brothers, Tijani Babangida, and Garba Lawal.
