The Akwa Ibom State Executive Council has approved the renewal of the maintenance contract for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium with Julius Berger Plc, reaffirming its commitment to preserving one of Nigeria’s premier sporting infrastructures.
The decision, reached at the Executive Council meeting held Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the Government House in Uyo, was presided over by Governor Umo Eno and attended by key government officials, including Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, SSG, Head of Civil Service, commissioners, and special advisers.
The renewed contract, which takes effect from July 1, 2025, extends the partnership with Julius Berger — the original builders of the 30,000-capacity stadium — and is aimed at ensuring the stadium remains in pristine condition and capable of hosting top-tier national and international events.
Built between 2012 and 2014 and officially commissioned on November 7, 2014, the stadium—modeled after Germany’s Allianz Arena—has become a symbol of modern sports infrastructure in Nigeria. It serves as the home ground for Akwa United and frequently hosts Super Eagles matches and CAF competitions.
Speaking after the meeting, Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, described the contract renewal as a strategic move aligned with the ARISE Agenda, emphasizing the stadium’s importance in promoting sports development, youth empowerment, and tourism in the state.
“The maintenance of this facility remains a priority for the administration,” Umanah said. “It is not just a stadium; it is a hub for cultural, political, and economic activities that impact both our people and the region.”
Governor Umo Eno also used the occasion to urge EXCO members to maintain a united front in implementing government policies and projects, highlighting the stadium’s upkeep as part of broader developmental objectives, including road infrastructure, food security, sanitation, and the upcoming state sports festival.
The stadium was renamed in 2015 by former Governor Udom Emmanuel in honour of Senator Godswill Akpabio, under whose tenure the project was initiated and completed.
The latest move signals continuity in infrastructural management while positioning Akwa Ibom as a leading destination for sports and events tourism in Nigeria.
Sports247.ng
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