Ministry of Sports Needs N10 billion Intervention Funds To Renovate Stadiums - Dare

Ministry of Sports Seeks N10 billion Intervention Funds To Renovate Stadiums

By Niyi Busari

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare said that the ministry needs between Five billion to Ten billion naira to renovate and upgrade sporting facilities across Nigeria, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Dare while in a press release signed by the Media Aide added that the funds will come from federal government purse.

"We are looking for special intervention funds of about 5-10 billion Naira from the government that would enable us renovate and upgrade other sporting assets across the country," Dare assured.

Meanwhile, the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja will soon get a facelift as the final stage of the agreement with Dangote Group is almost concluded leading to contractors moving to site.

According to Youth and Sports Development Minister Mr. Sunday Dare, "Work will soon commence at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. We were on the verge of completing the documentation process, review contracting process for the rehabilitation of the Moshood Abiola Stadium before Covid-19 struck. We had to shut down the whole country, a global shut down as the case maybe".

Dare further said, "Remember, it is a private company and they had to go through a lot of processes, they had to invite more than 8 different contractors. They have to visit the stadium, they have to turn in their bill of quantity and also sit on a review board.They also had to decide which contractor was the most suitable to give us the best job. Being the National stadium, all of these take time, they are normal standard operating procedure. I am glad to say that very soon, we are now at the stage of purchasing order and we must remember that we cannot force or accelerate the process because we are dealing with a well respected Nigerian who is bringing in his money without any plans to recoup anything to maintain the National Stadium".

On plans for other National stadiums, the Minister stated his Ministry has concessions approval to concession the national stadium, Surulere and that the process has been on going but was delayed due to lack of concession advisers.

"We have been able to overcome that. In the next couple of weeks, we will have those who are interested in taking over the national stadium Surulere concession and hostel come forth and the normal process of concession will take place.