ABUJA – The National Sports Commission (NSC) has unveiled a new directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at transforming Nigerian sports into a sustainable economic sector.
The mandate was announced on Tuesday during a strategic meeting held in Abuja between the NSC leadership and the presidents and secretaries of various Sports Federations.
This marked the first official engagement between NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade with the federation leaders following recent reforms in Nigeria’s sports sector.
Mallam Dikko emphasized the importance of collaboration between the NSC and Sports Federations, calling it essential for achieving sustainable growth in the sector.
“We are partners working toward a shared goal — repositioning Nigerian sports,” Dikko stated.
“President Tinubu has tasked us with building a sustainable sports economy. Beyond competing in tournaments, sports must play a significant role in driving the national economy. This is the new direction.”
Dikko outlined a three-pronged strategy to achieve this vision: Reset, Refocus, and Relaunch.
He stressed the importance of prioritizing sports development over mere competition, explaining that development represents production, while competitions symbolize consumption.
As part of the transformation plan, Dikko announced the establishment of a National Sports Development Fund and a National Sports Infrastructure Board.
These initiatives, which will require legislative backing, are expected to provide the financial and infrastructural support necessary for nationwide sports growth.
Hon. Bukola Olopade echoed Dikko’s sentiments, reaffirming the NSC’s commitment to reforms that prioritize athlete development and governance restructuring.
“One of our key initiatives is partnering with Mr. Bambo Akani, Founder and CEO of Making of Champions, to strengthen relationships with elite athletes through the Elite Development and Podium Board,” Olopade disclosed.
He also announced the launch of a training fund for outstanding athletes, with disbursements set to begin in February 2025.
“The days of athletes receiving training grants at competition venues are over,” he said.
“This fund will ensure they are well-prepared long before major events.”
In addition, the NSC is introducing corporate governance reforms in Sports Federations by appointing marketing-oriented Chief Operating Officers (COOs).
The Nigeria Rugby Federation was commended for setting a precedent with the appointment of Babatunde Adeluola as its COO.
The NSC is also looking to tap into the global eSports market, which is worth billions of dollars.
“Efforts are underway to structure the Federation of eSports into a recognized national sports body,” Olopade added.
Engr. Musa Kida, President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), praised the NSC’s renewed focus, describing it as “a breath of fresh air.”
“With this new direction, we are already seeing solutions to the challenges in Nigerian sports,” Kida said.
The NSC’s strategic shift, which emphasizes collaboration, infrastructure development, and economic sustainability, signals a significant turning point for Nigerian sports — from mere tournament participation to becoming a thriving, economically impactful sector.