Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, says over N21 billion is needed to renovate the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
“What is needed to fix the National Stadium Surulere after 17 plus years of neglect is in.excess of 21 billion naira,” Mr Dare said, adding that only N500 million have been raised from private and government funding.
The minister, in a series of tweets, disclosed this on Friday, giving updates on ongoing renovation works in the stadium.
“Old, damaged and clogged up water drainage systems gutted out and new ones installed. 2nd phase of the tartan tracks installed; awaiting the final phase followed by lane marking. One digital scoreboard as originally fitted into the stadium has been fully installed,” he said.
The stadium was built in 1972 under the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon. It has hosted big sporting events such as the 1973 All African Games and the 1980 African Cup of Nations.