The National Sports Commission (NSC) of Nigeria has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kaduna State Government to oversee the upgrade of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium. This agreement, announced after receiving presidential approval, aims to increase the stadium's capacity significantly from 12,000 to an impressive 32,000 seats. The signing of the agreement took place on Thursday and was attended by key figures, including Malam Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of NSC, and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, who emphasized the importance of this initiative for the local sports infrastructure.

Malam Shehu Dikko's statements highlight the growing significance of sports in Nigeria’s economic landscape under President Bola Tinubu's administration. He noted a remarkable achievement of 373 medals across various sporting events in 2025, accompanied by the creation of over 140,000 jobs linked directly to sports. This reflects a broader vision for sports development in the country, framing it as a critical sector that not only garners accolades but also contributes meaningfully to economic growth.

The vision articulated by Dikko includes a target for the sports sector to contribute at least three percent to Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually. This ambitious goal underscores the government's commitment to leveraging sports for economic development and societal benefits. The upgrade of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium is seen as a step towards transforming the sports landscape in Nigeria, potentially attracting more events and boosting local economies through enhanced infrastructure.