Kaduna Dismisses Contract Racketeering Claims in Ahmadu Bello Stadium Upgrade

|By Adejumo Adekunle

The Kaduna State Government has firmly denied allegations of contract racketeering and administrative misconduct in the planned reconstruction of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.

Commissioner for Sports Development, Prof. Benjamin Kumai Gugong, on Sunday described the claims as false, accusing critics of attempting to mislead the public.

Gugong explained that the federal government handed over the facility to the state earlier this year in a dilapidated state, prompting the Ministry of Sports Development to seek Governor Uba Sani’s approval for a complete overhaul to meet FIFA, CAF, and NFF standards.

He said the procurement process — approved in May 2025 — was initiated and overseen by the ministry in line with the Kaduna State Public Procurement Authority (KADPPA) laws.

The commissioner dismissed suggestions that the ministry was sidelined in awarding the contract, stressing that the process remained transparent, lawful, and accountable.

According to him, the reconstruction will position Kaduna as a major sports hub, capable of hosting international tournaments, creating jobs, and stimulating the local economy.