By Saidu Jalloh, Reporter D.S
FREETOWN — Former Minister of Sports, Ibrahim Nyelenkeh, has broken his silence on the controversial $40 million renovation of the Siaka Stevens National Stadium, defending his role in the deal and predicting the stadium will be ready by June 2027.
Speaking in a media interview on Sunday, 11th October 2026, Nyelenkeh said he has no regrets signing the agreement and disclosed that he personally lobbied for the inclusion of spectator seating in the project.
According to him, the original Chinese-funded contract was valued at $32 million before he approached the Chinese Ambassador to advocate for plastic seats in the main bowl — a move he said was necessary to reduce pressure on the facility and meet international standards. The addition, he said, pushed the contract value to $40 million.
The former Minister also claimed he attempted to have the project audited while still in office, but those approached declined, saying it was not their responsibility. He provided no documentary evidence to substantiate the claim during the interview.
Nyelenkeh rejected suggestions that he should have handled the project differently, arguing that the rehabilitation will give Sierra Leone modern sporting infrastructure capable of generating revenue.
He further stated that the stadium complex had been placed under a privatization arrangement before he left office, though implementation was pending.
However, a procurement notice issued by the Ministry of Sports in August 2026 inviting expressions of interest from private partners to operate, maintain and manage the National Stadium Complex indicates that the selection process is still ongoing.
The ex-Minister’s prediction that Sierra Leone will regain its national stadium by June 2027 remains his personal forecast and has not been confirmed as the official completion deadline by the Ministry of Sports or the National Sports Authority.
The $40 million project, launched in February 2022 and funded by the Chinese government, covers the main bowl, practice fields, swimming pool, athletics track, hostels and other facilities.
In July 2026, the National Sports Authority said installation of plastic seats and work on the car park and outer perimeter were still required before the stadium could be approved to host international matches. The prolonged closure has forced the Leone Stars to play home fixtures abroad.
Nyelenkeh’s remarks have renewed public scrutiny over the original contract, the justification for the $8 million increase, and accountability for the delayed completion.
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