The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports said it is considering the option of involving private companies in maintaining the Abuja National Stadium because of the N2bn requested by construction giant, Julius Berger is beyond what the ministry can afford.

The National Stadium which was abandoned due to lack of maintenance was used for the just concluded 2018 National Sports Festival.

The permanent secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Olusade Adesola noted that the poor state of the stadium was due to the huge figures construction company, Julius Berger demanded to maintain it.

And because the ministry cannot afford to be paying the N2 billion annual maintenance bill that caused the overgrown grass in the stadium.

Adesola while speaking with journalists said the stadium received a facelift as some facilities were fixed before the 19th National Sports Festival.

“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.

“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 to keep it in good condition.”

Source:https://hotsportstv.com/nigeria-cant-afford-abuja-stadium-maintenance-sports-ministry/