The Kaduna State Government has launched the long-awaited full-scale reconstruction of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, pledging to transform the 61-year-old facility into a world-class sports complex capable of hosting continental and international tournaments.

The redevelopment follows the Federal Government’s formal transfer of ownership to the state after years of lobbying by successive administrations.

During an inspection on Wednesday, Commissioner of Information-designate Ahmed Maiyaki lamented the stadium’s decline, describing it as “unfit to host any national event, let alone continental or international tournaments.” The cracked terraces, faded seating, and overgrown pitches, he said, stand in stark contrast to its glory days.

Commissioned in 1964 and named after the late Premier of the defunct Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the stadium was once a powerhouse of Nigerian football, producing stars such as Emmanuel and Celestine Babayaro, Tijani Babangida, and Garba Lawal. In its peak decades, it regularly hosted international fixtures and served as the home ground for top Nigerian clubs and the national team.

Maiyaki said Governor Uba Sani’s vision is to restore Kaduna’s sporting prominence while creating jobs and attracting foreign investment. “We are bringing back history and glory. This stadium will be a source of revenue for the state and a catalyst for sporting and economic development,” he said.

The project, he stressed, is not about prestige but economic viability. “Sports is big business. An upgraded ABS will attract sponsorships, host tournaments, boost tourism, and create opportunities for hospitality, retail, and transport sectors. The ripple effects will be massive.”