NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko Clarifies FIFA’s Role In $1.19 Million Birnin-Kebbi Stadium Project
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, clarified that FIFA directly managed the $1.19 million Birnin-Kebbi mini-stadium project, not the NFF. Responding to public criticism and alleged mismanagement of FIFA funds, Dikko emphasized the NFF only provided land, while FIFA handled contractor selection and payments. He attributed the stadium's unfinished state, highlighted in a 2023 FIFA post, to exchange rate fluctuations and project delays since its 2015 approval. Dikko insisted funds were not misused, stating FIFA oversaw all project phases, including tendering and procurement. The House of Representatives Committee on Sports is investigating the management of FIFA and CAF grants by the NFF, using the Kebbi project as a key example. Dikko stressed that the "incomplete" structure shown in the photo was only the first phase of the development.
