The Chairman of the Kebbi State Football Association, FA, Abubakar Ladan, has clarified that the FIFA-standard stadium in Birnin Kebbi is managed by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, not the Kebbi State Government.
Ladan, a former Commissioner for Works, stated this in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday while addressing reports about the ownership and management of the facility.
He explained that the state government only provided four hectares of land for the construction of the stadium as part of the requirements for the project, while the NFF is fully responsible for its management.
“The Kebbi State Government provided the land for the construction of the FIFA stadium, but the management and operations are handled by the NFF,” he said.
According to him, the stadium was completed and inaugurated by FIFA officials in 2023 and has since been in active use.
The facility serves as the home ground for Kebbi United FC and was also used by Zamfara United FC during the last football season.
“Since its commissioning, the stadium has hosted several competitions, including the 2024 Governor’s Cup and National League One matches,” Ladan said.
He added that the NFF manages the facility through its appointed staff and a facility manager, while the state government occasionally assists with maintenance and infrastructure improvements.
“The government is not directly involved in managing the stadium but has provided some support to make it suitable for local league matches,” he explained.
Ladan said the stadium remains in good condition and continues to serve the football community in Kebbi State.
FIFA had earlier featured the Birnin Kebbi Stadium on its official social media pages under the FIFA Forward Programme, sparking debate over the project’s ownership and management.