In a pivotal meeting with Presidents and Secretaries of Sports Federations, the National Sports Commission (NSC) unveiled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformative mandate to create a sustainable sports economy in Nigeria.
The session, held on Tuesday in Abuja, marked the first official engagement between NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, and the federation leaders since institutional changes in the nation’s sports sector.
Chairman Dikko stressed the importance of partnership in driving the new vision. “We believe we are all partners with the various Sports Federations, working together for the same goal — to reposition Nigerian sports,” he stated.
Dikko outlined a three-pillar strategy of Reset, Refocus, and Relaunch to drive this agenda, emphasizing a shift from mere tournament participation to making sports a significant contributor to Nigeria’s economy.
Key initiatives include the establishment of a National Sports Development Fund and a National Sports Infrastructure Board through legislative acts, providing financial and infrastructural support.
Director General Olopade echoed the call for reforms, highlighting a February 2025 rollout of a training fund for elite athletes. “The days of athletes getting training grants at competition venues are gone,” he affirmed. This fund will ensure athletes receive financial support well ahead of major events, fostering better preparation and performance.
Governance improvements were also central to the discussion, with the NSC advocating for corporate governance structures within federations. Olopade applauded the Nigeria Rugby Federation for appointing a marketing-focused Chief Operating Officer (COO), setting an example for other federations.
In addition to traditional sports, the NSC is advancing plans to tap into the lucrative eSports industry, with efforts underway to structure the Federation of eSports.
The meeting drew commendation from sports leaders. Engr. Musa Kida, President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, described the engagement as “a breath of fresh air,” expressing optimism about the proposed solutions.
The NSC’s renewed collaboration with federations aims to redefine Nigerian sports, fostering sustainability, development, and economic growth.
