The National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, will be temporarily closed owing to the collapse of a lighting pole, according to an announcement made on Saturday by Sunday Dare, the minister of youth and sport development.
Dare announced this in a statement after looking at the downed floodlight mast.
According to reports in the media, Dare visited the pitch on Friday as planned and said he would announce his stance after careful consideration.
In order to avoid any unanticipated events, the minister ordered the stadium’s closure after the tour.
“Thank God no one was hurt. I then looked at the other three light masts, and I could plainly see the effects of weather and ageing; after 51 years, they are also suspicious.
“The stadium and its surrounding facilities will temporarily be closed; a proper assessment will be conducted, and the appropriate action will be taken shortly, based on my evaluation, the recommendations of experts, and the interest of public safety.
The Federal Government will work with the ICRC to speed up the Surulere stadium’s concession process, which was started last year with the goal of entirely privatising the 51-year-old structure.
“Due to our choice to err on the side of caution, we have placed stringent limitations everywhere around the stadium.
As we cannot know the truth on the ground, we ask for everyone’s cooperation who our decision may inconvenience.
