The Ministry of Youth and Sports has revealed that the inability to maintain the Abuja National Stadium stemmed from the N2 billion annual maintenance bill presented by construction giants Julius Berger.
The Stadium hosted the 19th edition of the National Sports Festival (Abuja 2018) after it has not been considered for any sporting activities for a very long time.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olusade Adesola who disclosed this at a media brief in Abuja said that the recently concluded 19th National Sports Festival afforded the ministry the opportunity to give facelift to many facilities at the complex.
“Julius Berger submitted a maintenance fee of N2 billion annually and this is more than the ministry’s yearly budget. We cannot afford such money annually, but we are working hard to find alternative ways to keep the place tidy,” Mr. Adesola stated.
“We are looking at the option of concession to individuals and companies who could manage the place for a period. The complex has to be busy with activities keep it in good condition usage.”
He said the just concluded National Sports Festival was a success adding that 42 records were set in weight lifting, 15 in swimming and two in power lifting.
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