Sports Development Minister John Owan-Enoh has hinted at the potential demolition and reconstruction of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. Owan-Enoh, who had initially supported the facility’s concession, expressed concerns about its deteriorating state and emphasized the government’s commitment to revitalizing this iconic sports venue. The National Stadium, constructed in 1972 for the 1973 All Africa Games, has languished due to inadequate maintenance for over 15 years.
Notably, the previous Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, initiated an adopt-a-facility program that forged a successful public-private partnership, with Chief Adebutu Kessington overseeing the refurbishment of the tartan tracks, football pitch, and scoreboard.
Speaking during a meeting with stakeholders in Lagos, Owan-Enoh acknowledged the need for a thorough reconsideration of the concession plan, proposing the possibility of demolishing the stadium, drawing inspiration from successful creative industry ventures such as the National Arts Theatre in Lagos.
Owan-Enoh cautioned against the deteriorating condition of the Abuja Stadium and stressed the importance of proactive measures to prevent a similar fate. He pledged an open-door policy, vowing to involve every sports federation in the pursuit of comprehensive sports development, with a focus on equal support for male and female athletes, as well as those with physical disabilities.
The minister acknowledged the challenges facing Nigerian sports, citing funding issues, trust concerns, and inadequate facilities as interconnected obstacles. However, he remained optimistic about overcoming these hurdles and expressed his determination to transform the sports sector, building on his track record of success in previous endeavors.