A Technical Report on the current state and new concept for the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos was presented on Tuesday in Abuja to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung.
The report evaluated by a consortium of architects and estate surveyors from MAYSU Construction had taken 10 weeks to conclude.
Thirty architects, six quantity surveyors and five structural engineers evaluated the state of decadence at the stadium, re-drew the original architectural plan of the edifice built in 1972 and came up with the cost of repairs and renovation for the stadium.
At the presentation ceremony, the minister harped on his administration’s resolve to invest in the completion of abandoned projects.
“If this is all we are able to achieve after our sojourn here, we would want posterity to ascribe that to us. We are not interested in making names in building new projects but we want to be remembered for giving our own modest contribution in trying to complete those projects that were abandoned and to also look at those projects, edifices and facilities that were our source of pride that are in a state of disrepair. The National Stadium Surulere is one of such projects.”
Dalung recalled that the National Stadium used to be the pride of the nation and could not comprehend how the stadium had deteriorated to such an embarrassing state.
“No country can develop its image in the face of such neglect therefore we are here to try to redraw history as the consultants present to us the concept of a new National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. Subsequently, we will discuss with the management and look at the most viable option to adopt in order to realize our dream, whether it will be through concession, leasing or Public Private Partnership. All these will be decided after the analysis of the cost implication but definitely, we will leave the National Stadium better than we met it,” Dalung stated.
Dalung, however, emphasised that his focus will not be limited to Lagos alone, but also on sports structures and Youth Development Centres scattered all over the country that have also been abandoned. He observed the complete absence of the maintenance culture but assured that as part of the change agenda, the maintenance culture will be revived.
Presenting the drawings to the minister, the leader of the delegation and CEO of the construction company, Hart Bankat, expressed delight in the opportunity given to the company to do the survey and present the drawing and technical report.
Answering questions on what the cost of the project will be, Hart, an architect, said the presentation was a proposal for now and would not want to go against the procurement act. If approved, Hart said, the cost will be discussed while all documentations will be duly submitted. He also gave assurances on the pedigree of the company.
“Our company comprises over one hundred professional and active staff, over a thousand ad-hoc staff and has been in existence since 2013. Once discussions are concluded by the management and certain approvals are given, a time frame and details will be given on the completion of the project.”
The presentation of the Technical Report on the National Stadium Surulere is a follow-up to the minister’s visit to the facility last year. The Stadium was last used in 2004 and currently in a state of disrepair.
