The National Sports Commission (NSC) has revealed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformative mandate to turn Nigerian sports into a robust, self-sustaining economy. This announcement was made during a strategic meeting with Presidents and Secretaries of Sports Federations on Tuesday in Abuja.
The meeting, the first official interaction between the NSC leadership and federation heads since recent institutional changes, was chaired by NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade.
Dikko emphasized the shared vision of partnership between the NSC and sports federations, highlighting the urgent need for collaboration to reposition Nigerian sports.
“We are all partners, working towards the same goal — repositioning Nigerian sports,” Dikko said. “Mr. President’s mandate is clear: we must transition from measuring success solely by participation in tournaments to assessing our contributions to the nation’s economy. This is the new direction.”
Three-Pillar Strategy for Transformation
Dikko outlined a strategic framework built on three pillars: Reset, Refocus, and Relaunch. He stressed the importance of balancing competitions (consumption) with development (production) to foster long-term growth.
Key plans include the establishment of a National Sports Development Fund and a National Sports Infrastructure Board, aimed at creating financial and infrastructural support for sustainable sports development through legislative acts.
Focus on Athlete Development and Governance
Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade highlighted reforms focused on athlete development and improved governance. He announced the appointment of Bambo Akani, CEO of Making of Champions, as a consultant to strengthen the relationship between elite athletes and the Commission through the Elite Development and Podium Board.
Olopade revealed plans for a training fund to provide financial support to exceptional athletes starting February 2025. “Athletes will now receive their training funds well ahead of major events, ending the era of last-minute grants at competition venues,” he said.
He also detailed efforts to improve governance in sports federations by introducing corporate governance structures and appointing marketing-driven Chief Operating Officers (COOs). The Nigeria Rugby Federation was commended for appointing Babatunde Adeluola as its COO, setting an example for others.
Expansion into eSports
The NSC is also venturing into the lucrative eSports industry, which is valued at millions of dollars globally. Olopade announced plans to establish a structured eSports Federation to join Nigeria’s league of sports federations.
Federation Leaders React
Engr. Musa Kida, President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), praised the NSC’s new approach. “There is a breath of fresh air. We are already seeing solutions for the country’s sports sector,” Kida remarked.
Conclusion
The NSC’s renewed focus on collaboration, sustainability, and economic growth aims to shift Nigerian sports from mere participation to becoming a thriving, self-sustaining industry.
