The National Stadium, Surulere is set to undergo refurbishment with the planned building of 150 shops within it’s complex.
It is expected that President Muhammadu Buhari endorses the proposal, which is part of plans to make the complex a befitting sports arena under the new arrangement.
Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, is currently working with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) to put the stadium to the expected standard.
The ICRC is an agency of the Federal Government responsible for the development and implementation of the Public-Private Partnership framework for the provision of infrastructure services.
Among other facilities under the new arrangement, the stadium will have a petrol station, banks and other notable essential services when it eventually opens very soon to the public.
Dare said it was indeed tough to get all those illegal occupants and structures out of the stadium.
“We were strict with only one mandate to clear out the place because our athletes need the facility to train and keep fit.“There were various drink joints and other things being done at the stadium, which primarily is a sports arena.
“Now, we are bringing back the glory. It will take a gradual step but first, we are to bring back new shops and we are working with the ICRC just to ensure we do the right thing. Nigerians will be happy with the progress at the stadium quite soon.“Under two years, we are bringing the stadium back after over 19 years of neglect”, he said.
