By Joel Ajayi
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the early release of sports funds, describing the decision as a major boost to Nigeria’s preparations for key international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games.
Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, made this known on Monday in Abuja at the 2025 NOC/CGN Annual General Meeting (AGM), where stakeholders reviewed the nation’s sporting activities and outlined strategies for sustained success.
Dikko disclosed that sports funding will now be prioritised in the national budget and made immediately available once the budget is signed into law. He explained that the President’s directive effectively places sports on a first-line charge, acknowledging the time-sensitive nature of sporting activities and eliminating delays that often disrupt athletes’ preparations.
“It may be difficult to fully capture the extent of our accomplishments in a single address, but before the year runs out, we will release detailed reports outlining what we have collectively achieved,” Dikko said.
He revealed that Nigeria recorded notable progress in the outgoing year, with about 54 national teams from various federations participating in international competitions.
According to him, only four teams returned without medals, a development he attributed to improved planning, funding, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, credited the improved performances to effective partnerships between the Commission and sports federations. He noted that while most international outings were supported by the NSC, federations also made commendable contributions to ensure participation.
“This reflects the level of partnership we are building. Federations are our chief operational partners. When you succeed, we succeed together, and when challenges arise, we confront them together,” Olopade said.
The NSC leadership also commended the conduct of federation elections during the year, describing the process as largely peaceful, transparent, and driven by the collective interest of sport rather than personal ambition.
Dikko further highlighted Nigeria’s strong and competitive bid to host the Commonwealth Games, noting that although the bid was deferred due to timing considerations, discussions remain active towards hosting the Games in 2034. He added that Nigeria is also making steady progress in its bid for the African Games.
On sector reforms, Dikko said the impact of the Elite Athlete Development Board is already evident, citing outstanding performances at events such as the Islamic Games in Riyadh and the Youth Games. He disclosed that plans are underway to institutionalise the board within legal and budgetary frameworks.
He also announced plans to establish a Diaspora Athletes Board by 2026 to identify and integrate talented Nigerian athletes abroad into the national sports system at an early stage.
On integrity and compliance, the NSC chairman revealed that the Anti-Doping Bill has been signed into law and that the Anti-Doping Commission is already being established. He added that Nigeria has received official clearance from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), restoring the country’s status as a clean sporting nation.
In addition, President Tinubu has approved the consolidation of sports-related budgetary allocations scattered across various government agencies into a central sports development pool, a move expected to unlock significant resources for structured sports development.
Dikko assured stakeholders that preparations for the Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games, elite athlete programmes, and other development initiatives will now enjoy more predictable and improved funding.
He also disclosed ongoing discussions on structured welfare support for retired athletes to ensure that national sports heroes are not neglected after serving the country.
Concluding, Dikko urged all stakeholders to sustain the spirit of collaboration, stressing that the collective interest of Nigerian sport must always take precedence.
“We may not be perfect, but our commitment to the progress, integrity, and global competitiveness of Nigerian sports remains unwavering,” he said.
In his remarks, President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, charged all national sports federations to intensify preparations and aim for podium finishes at major upcoming competitions, including the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Engr. Gumel emphasised the need for consistent planning, discipline, technical development, and strict adherence to international standards, including World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) requirements, to achieve medal-winning performances.
He commended the NSC for its renewed commitment to sports development and its positive role in repositioning Nigerian sports for greater success on the global stage.
Gumel explained that the AGM, a statutory obligation of the Olympic and Commonwealth family, reviewed activities for the 2024 year and presented audited financial statements in line with the NOC Constitution. He welcomed the NSC leadership, newly elected federation presidents, international federation representatives, ANOCA delegates, and other stakeholders.
He expressed optimism that stronger collaboration among the NSC, NOC, and national federations would enable Nigeria to record improved performances and gain greater global recognition at future international competitions.
