Some stakeholders and sports enthusiasts are asking the Federal Government to look into the secret and non-compliant process of the National Stadium's concession.
They are also suggesting that the FG should refurbish the stadium and make good use of it instead.
The FG had announced plans to concede the stadium through a Public-Private Partnership, but critics claim it has been marred by underhanded dealings and has not followed due process.
Our correspondent observed the deteriorating stadium bustling with over 3,000 visitors and athletes engaging in various sports activities.
According to our correspondent, the stadium bidding process has been completed without public knowledge, and the preferred candidate will be announced soon.
Last November, unidentified officials took stock of the facilities in the stadium in preparation for taking over the 51-year-old structure.
Stakeholders believe that the stadium's concession can restore its former glory, but they insist that the process of handing it over to the private sector must be done openly and transparently.
They argue that the bidding must be transparent, which they claim has not been the case so far.
A stakeholder, speaking anonymously, stated that the sports ministry has given parts of the stadium to various business operators, some of whom have also shown interest but have been overlooked. The PUNCH.
Despite their efforts to keep the stadium alive, they have been disregarded in favor of a specific candidate.
They believe that these individuals who have invested in maintaining the stadium should be included in the process, as their efforts have kept the stadium operational thus far.
Fred Edoreh, a former chairman of the Lagos chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, also criticized the bidding process for the stadium concession.
Edoreh expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in the secretive concession process, and questioned the exclusion of those who have been contributing to the stadium's upkeep.
He raised questions about the intention and transparency of the concession, and emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation.
Edoreh also raised questions about the transparency and capability of those involved in the concession, stressing the importance of informing the public about the process.
A sports person, who talked to our reporter on Saturday, said they were informed about plans by the chosen buyer to change the stadium into a residential area.
“They should inform us about the intentions of those bidding for the location. It will be a waste of time if the stadium ends up being turned into a housing estate, as we have heard. The stadium is a significant sports structure, and anyone who wants to take it over must show us their plans to ensure sports activities can continue there.”
