As part of ongoing reforms aimed at upgrading the facilities of the National Sports Commission (NSC) to world-class standards, NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, on Monday led a delegation of broadcast experts from Thompson Broadcast Paris and technical engineers from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) on an inspection tour of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The assessment focused on the stadium’s broadcast infrastructure, including the International Broadcast Centre, as the Commission accelerates efforts to prepare the venue for both international and local tournaments. Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, was also part of the delegation.

“Sports without broadcast is zero,” Mallam Dikko declared during the visit.

Speaking earlier in his office while receiving the team of experts, the Chairman noted that the Commission had received a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revive and upgrade Nigeria’s sports facilities as a matter of urgency.

“Our vision is to ensure all our sporting facilities are functional. We are putting in place a sustainable maintenance structure and developing sporting programmes that will make the facilities useful and revenue-generating,” he stated.

Mallam Dikko further emphasized the President’s consistent support and commitment to providing the necessary funding and incentives for revitalizing national sports infrastructure.

“In line with our renewed vision to reset, refocus, and relaunch sports in Nigeria, we are engaging experts from Europe to assess and upgrade our pitch and other key components,” he said.

He revealed that the collaboration with Thompson Broadcast was a direct outcome of his working visit to Paris in April, which included meetings with officials from NTA, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), and Voice of Nigeria (VON)

“The visit to France allowed us to engage directly with the original manufacturers and suppliers of the stadium’s broadcast equipment, paving the way for full rehabilitation and upscaling,” he explained.

Also speaking during the tour, Senator Ned Nwoko commended the leadership of the Commission for its proactive and strategic efforts.

“The Chairman and his team are making commendable strides to regenerate the stadium’s infrastructure. The foundation is strong, and the original vision was excellent. What the Commission needs now is proper funding and effective management,” he said.

Senator Nwoko emphasized the importance of allocating the right budget to ensure successful implementation of the Commission’s plans.

Dr. (Mrs.) Kehinde Ajayi FCAI ANIPR

Director (Information and PR)

May 28, 2025