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The Anambra State Government has banned the collection of cash payments for the rental of stadiums and other sports facilities across the state as part of efforts to improve transparency and boost internally generated revenue.
The Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Patrick-Agha Mba, announced the directive on Wednesday during an inspection tour of sports facilities across the state.
Mba explained that the tour was aimed at evaluating the condition of existing sports infrastructure and identifying areas requiring upgrades to support the state government's grassroots sports development agenda.
According to him, all tenants and users of government-owned sports facilities are now required to make payments directly into government-designated accounts through the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service.
"With immediate effect, all lawful tenants occupying our stadiums and sports facilities must stop making cash payments. All rents are to be paid directly into the state government account through the Anambra Revenue Service," he said.
The commissioner noted that the new payment arrangement aligns with the policy direction of the state government and is intended to streamline revenue collection while strengthening the state's internally generated revenue profile.
Mba also directed owners of private structures located within stadium premises to immediately remove such developments if they lack the necessary government approvals.
He reiterated the government's commitment to developing sports from the grassroots, stating that local government councils would play a central role in implementing the policy.
According to him, the state government is prepared to make the necessary investments in sports infrastructure to create an enabling environment for talent discovery and development across communities.
The inspection tour covered several key sports facilities, including Otuocha Stadium, Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium, Godwin Achebe Stadium in Idemili, Ekwulobia Stadium, and Awka Stadium.
The commissioner expressed optimism that ongoing reforms and infrastructure improvements would help position Anambra as a leading hub for grassroots sports development in Nigeria.
