Shehu Sani questions N12 billion allocation for Abuja stadium renovation in 2025 budget

DDM News

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has expressed concerns over the Federal Government’s allocation of over N12 billion for the renovation of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, in the 2025 national budget.

Diaspora digital media DDM gathered that this allocation was part of President Bola Tinubu’s N49.7 trillion “Budget of Restoration,” presented to the 10th National Assembly.

The budget details reveal that the National Sports Commission (NSC) plans to spend N12.7 billion out of its N94.9 billion allocation on upgrading the stadium’s main bowl.

Additionally, N4.5 billion has been earmarked for constructing a sports secretariat within the stadium premises, while N3.65 billion will go toward procuring official vehicles and other utility needs.

Another N1.2 billion is allocated for building the National Olympic Committee (NOC) headquarters in Abuja.

Shehu Sani raised questions about these allocations, especially given Nigeria’s ongoing economic hardships.

Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Sani highlighted that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium had already been renovated by business mogul Aliko Dangote in 2022 at the cost of $1 million.

He found it puzzling that the same facility was now slated for another renovation with an allocation of N31 billion.

“In 2022, Dangote renovated the Abuja stadium with $1m, and I heard the stadium is among those to be renovated with N31 billion in 2025. I will find out what exactly is to be renovated,” Sani wrote.

The development has sparked debate about the priorities outlined in the 2025 budget, particularly regarding the allocation of substantial funds to projects like sports infrastructure, despite the financial struggles facing many Nigerians.

Critics argue that the government should focus on addressing pressing socioeconomic issues rather than allocating massive sums for stadium upgrades, especially when recent renovations have already been undertaken.

This latest budget controversy adds to ongoing discussions about fiscal responsibility, transparency, and the allocation of public resources in Nigeria.

Sani’s remarks underscore the need for accountability and clarity on how the funds will be utilized and whether such expenditures align with the country’s immediate needs.

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