Akwa Ibom Extends Julius Berger Deal for Stadium Maintenance

The Akwa Ibom State Executive Council has sanctioned a fresh one‑year extension of the maintenance contract with Julius Berger Plc for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. This new agreement takes effect from 1 July 2025. Council members described it as vital to preserving the stadium’s world-class facilities and ensuring long-term reliability.

Originally constructed by Julius Berger and opened in November 2014, the 30,000‑seat facility—including its ultra‑modern infrastructure modelled on Europe’s Allianz Arena has required continuous upkeep since inception.

Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno emphasised that the renewal was part of the state’s broader commitment to the ARISE Agenda, which prioritises infrastructure maintenance, sports development and community pride. The stadium hosts major football matches and serves as the home ground for both the national team and NPFL side Akwa United.

By retaining Julius Berger, the executive council secures experienced oversight over one of Nigeria’s premier stadiums supporting sport, events, and public safety.

Editorial

We regard the renewal of Julius Berger’s contract as a conscientious decision. Ensuring that a landmark such as the Godswill Akpabio Stadium remains in top condition requires expertise and consistency and Julius Berger has already demonstrated both.

Continuity matters in asset management. A one‑year extension enables the state to maintain operational integrity while reviewing performance. It reflects prudent governance rather than short‑term expediency.

We are encouraged by how this aligns with broader objectives. Hosting football matches, cultural gatherings, and political events at a well‑maintained venue fosters civic pride and can attract future investment. Neglecting stadium maintenance would undermine those efforts.

We also see positive symbolism. Sport infrastructure, when preserved, contributes to youth inspiration and community engagement. Good facilities signal that sports—and culture more widely—are valued within state planning.

While long-term contracts can risk complacency, an annual renewal structure provides accountability and flexibility. The state can assess performance, negotiate terms and remain responsive to evolving needs. For now, the arrangement strikes a reasonable balance between stability and oversight.

In our view, this maintenance renewal is more than routine it is foundational. It ensures that Akwa Ibom retains a venue worthy of its sporting ambitions, while safeguarding public assets for the future. That sustained stewardship is exactly what we expect of good governance.

Did You Know?

1. The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium was completed in November 2014 at a cost of approximately US $96 million, funded by the Akwa Ibom State Government.
2. The stadium was modelled after Germany’s Allianz Arena and features bulletproof VIP/VVIP sections, two high-definition scoreboards and a helipad.
3. Akwa United F.C. of the Nigeria Professional Football League call the stadium home and began playing there in 2015.
4. In 2023, Akwa United temporarily relocated to the Eket Township Stadium capacity 17,000—while international fixtures occupied the Akpabio venue.
5. Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda includes a sports asset inventory system and replacement of obsolete equipment across state facilities, as approved at the same executive council meeting.