Nasarawa State Government Initiates Total Overhaul of Lafia City Stadium

The Nasarawa State Government has commenced plans for a comprehensive overhaul of the Lafia City Stadium, signaling a bold move to elevate the state’s sports infrastructure to international standards.
The initiative, spearheaded by Governor Abdullahi Sule, is being executed in partnership with CENTARC Design Associates Limited, a reputable Abuja-based firm with a proven track record in sports facility development.
On Tuesday, a delegation from CENTARC led by Architect Gambo Ahmadu visited Lafia to inspect the stadium and assess its current condition.
The team was received by Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, who represented the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu.
Dr. Alhassan emphasized the Governor’s commitment to sports development, stating:
‘Governor Abdullahi Sule has so much passion for sports, particularly football. This visit is necessitated by his earnest desire for the State to have a state-of-the-art stadium that can support the advancement of sports and talents.’
He further explained that the Governor has directed a complete overhaul of the stadium, aiming for a long-term solution that would eliminate the need for frequent repairs.
‘He wants a once-and-for-all job done where the State won’t have to effect any further repair on the stadium again for the next fifteen to twenty years—only maintenance activities can take place.’
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted Lafia’s strategic proximity to Abuja, suggesting that the upgraded stadium could serve as a viable alternative to the National Stadium when needed. He revealed that the government has asked CENTARC to submit two proposals: one for the renovation of the existing stadium and another for the construction of a brand-new facility elsewhere in the capital city.
‘We will weigh our options and choose the one that is more affordable and doable, both in the short and long terms,’ Dr. Alhassan said. ‘We trust the capacity and commitment of the Governor to be able to achieve either option in a considerable period, just like he did with the Lafia Over and Under-passes.’
Speaking during the inspection, Architect Gambo Ahmadu, who is also a FIFA consultant in Nigeria, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the project.
‘Let me thank the Governor for seeking our audience regarding the Lafia City Stadium. I have been in the business of sports facilities development for nearly three decades now.’
He added:
‘We are here to assess the stadium with a view to overhauling it and making it meet the required status. We’ve been adequately briefed by the Permanent Secretary and will return with our recommendations, particularly regarding short and long-term considerations to ensure the facility isn’t just for local use, but for national and international competitions.’
CENTARC Design Associates Limited has previously handled major sports infrastructure projects across Nigeria, including Pantami Stadium in Gombe, Kebbi Stadium, and Sokoto Stadium.
Also present during the visit were Solomon Babanjah, Chairman of Nasarawa United FC; Comrade Akashe Abdullahi Ari, Aide to Governor Sule on Youth Development; and senior staff of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.