The National Institute for Sports, NIS, has raised alarmed over the real owner of the 200 bed space directly located opposite the Athletes Development Centre, package B, MKO National stadium Abuja.
NIS also advised the National Sports Commission, NSC, to stay clear of its facilities located inside the stadium, Abuja.
The advice was issued by the Head of Department, Works, NIS, Jude Abu Esq on Monday while on a guided tour with some journalists.
He said the NIS 200 bed space complex, which was commissioned as a hostel for NIS students during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, belongs to the institute.
Mr. Jude stated that among other evidence, the premises bears the official plaque commemorating its commissioning as an NIS facility.
He insisted that the ownership of the property is not in doubt and remains vested in the institute.
He therefore called on all unauthorized occupants and intruders to vacate the property on or before 31st December, 2026. He warned that failure to comply would compel the institute to take necessary legal action.
He however expressed displeasure that on Sunday, 20th September, the National Sports Commission removed the official NIS notice from the premises and replaced it with an eviction notice bearing the authority of the NSC. He described the action as provocative and unlawful.
Mr. Jude reaffirmed that the position of the National Institute for Sports is that the property is an NIS facility and constitutes a vital component of the institute’s operations.
He added that the complex is particularly important for providing accommodation for students undertaking programmes at the Abuja centre.
While he reaffirmed tha both NIS and NSC are independent government parastatals and the NIS is in no way subservient to the NSC.
Signed:
Ben Ogbemudia,
S. A. Media,
Office of the Director General and Chief Executive Officer National Institute for Sports ADC Abuja.