The Federal Government has approved the installation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology and an anti-doping laboratory at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja as part of a major upgrade of sports facilities nationwide.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the National Sports Commission through its official š¯•¸ account, describing the project as the first phase of a broad sports infrastructure revitalisation programme aimed at bringing facilities up to international standards.
According to the commission, the Abuja stadium upgrade will extend beyond the introduction of VAR and anti-doping facilities. The project will also feature rehabilitation of tracks and floodlights, renovation of media and athlete sections, and the development of a High Performance Centre alongside additional training pitches.
The government also approved the transformation of the existing 200-room athletesā€™ hostel into a fully operational hotel, while medical facilities within the stadium complex are set to receive modern equipment.
The initiative further includes the construction of a sports centre that will house offices for national sports federations, as well as the rehabilitation of critical sporting infrastructure across various parts of the country.
In addition, the commission disclosed that support would be provided to states preparing to host future National Sports Festivals, while mini sports centres will be built nationwide to boost grassroots sports development.
The programme also covers the establishment of sports facilities in selected tertiary institutions to strengthen school sports and create centres of excellence across Nigeria.
According to the NSC, the investments are intended to position sports as a key tool for youth empowerment, economic growth, talent development, and national unity.