By Joel Ajayi
President of the Nigeria Shooting Sport Federation (NSSF), Commodore Shettima Mohammed Shagir, has unveiled a far-reaching security and digital registration framework designed to transform shooting sports in Nigeria through enhanced regulation, athlete screening and institutional collaboration.
Speaking with journalists, Shagir said the reforms are aimed at building a credible, transparent and secure shooting sports ecosystem while laying a solid foundation for Nigeria to become a competitive force on the global stage.
Central to the initiative is the federation’s collaboration with key security institutions responsible for firearms regulation. According to the NSSF president, the federation has engaged the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons to secure official recognition as one of the authorised bodies permitted to manage sporting firearms in Nigeria.
“Before now, many of these institutions were not fully aware of the federation’s activities. We have taken deliberate steps to establish that institutional identity,” Shagir said.
To further strengthen governance and public confidence, he disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police has accepted to serve as the Grand Patron of the federation and will work with the NSSF on firearm licensing, background checks and character assessments for members.
The federation has also secured the backing of the nation’s military institutions. Shagir revealed that the Chief of Naval Staff has successfully introduced the Nigerian Navy’s maiden Small Arms Shooting Sports Competition, while the Chief of Army Staff has approved the establishment of a Nigerian Army Shooting Sports Team. The Nigerian Air Force has equally embraced the initiative.
He said the collaboration among the Army, Navy and Air Force will create a sustainable platform for regular competitions, athlete development and stronger collaboration between military personnel and civilian shooters.
A major component of the reform agenda is the introduction of a comprehensive digital registration and verification system.
According to Shagir, the federation is partnering with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to integrate digital identity verification into its online membership platform.
Under the proposed registration process, intending members will complete online registration, undergo police character screening, obtain medical fitness certification, pass mandatory mental health assessments conducted by consultant psychiatrists and have their sporting firearm details uploaded into a central database before receiving federation approval.
He explained that the digital platform is designed to ensure accountability, improve traceability and guarantee that firearms intended strictly for sporting activities remain in the hands of qualified and responsible individuals.
The federation will recognise only approved sporting firearms, including the 12-gauge shotgun, .22 calibre rifle and air rifle, in line with international standards.
Beyond security and digital reforms, Shagir said the NSSF remains focused on improving Nigeria’s international competitiveness.
“Our target is to ensure that Nigeria is represented at the Olympics as a nation capable of winning medals, not just making up the numbers,” he said.
To achieve that goal, he stressed the importance of sustainable funding through private-sector partnerships.
He commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC), especially Chairman Malam Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade, for encouraging sports federations to embrace corporate sponsorship, while also praising Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President Engr. Habu Gumel for supporting reforms in sports administration.
Shagir noted that the NSC’s recommendation for every federation to appoint a Chief Operating Officer dedicated to sponsorship and corporate engagement would strengthen financial sustainability across Nigerian sports.
He disclosed that negotiations are at an advanced stage with one of the world’s leading sporting firearms manufacturers, which has agreed in principle to partner with the NSSF as a major sponsor.
Although he declined to reveal the company’s identity pending the signing of formal agreements, he described the prospective partnership as a significant milestone in the federation’s drive to modernise shooting sports.
He added that discussions are also ongoing with several other corporate organisations as the NSSF intensifies efforts to build a secure, technology-driven and financially sustainable federation capable of producing future Olympic medal winners for Nigeria.
