The Nasarawa State Government has initiated talks with CENTARC Design Associates Limited, an Abuja-based firm, to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the Lafia City Stadium. This marks a major step toward transforming the stadium into a world-class facility capable of hosting national and international sporting events.
A team of experts from CENTARC, led by Architect Gambo Ahmadu, visited Lafia on Tuesday to inspect the stadium’s facilities and recommend both short- and long-term improvements. The Permanent Secretary of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, who represented the state’s Hon. Commissioner, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, guided the delegation through the stadium.
According to Dr. Alhassan, Governor Abdullahi Sule is passionate about advancing sports, particularly football, in the state. “The Governor no longer wants temporary fixes; he has directed a total overhaul of the stadium to meet both national and international standards,” he said. The aim is to ensure the stadium remains in top condition for the next 15 to 20 years, requiring only maintenance.
Dr. Alhassan added that Nasarawa State’s strategic location, particularly close to Abuja, could make the Lafia City Stadium a viable alternative for national and international events when the National Stadium in Abuja becomes congested. He also emphasized that the improvements are essential to enabling Nasarawa’s two Premier League teams to compete in continental football.
The government has requested CENTARC to provide two cost estimates: one for renovating the existing stadium and another for building a new facility in Lafia. The state plans to weigh these options before making a final decision.
Architect Gambo, leader of the CENTARC delegation, expressed his company’s commitment to transforming the Lafia City Stadium into a top-tier venue. With nearly three decades of experience in sports infrastructure development, including projects like the Pantami, Gombe, Kebbi, and Sokoto stadiums, Gambo assured that the company would provide a comprehensive assessment and recommendation to meet the stadium’s international standards.
The delegation was welcomed by Nasarawa United FC Chairman, Solomon Babanjah, and Comrade Akashe Abdullahi Ari, Aide to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Youth Development, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
This initiative is a key step in ensuring that Nasarawa State’s sports facilities meet global standards, benefiting both local teams and the wider sporting community.
— Eche Amos, Head of Public Relations, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development
