Joel Ajayi
The National Organising Committee of the National Sports Tourism Conference and Exhibition (NASTOCE) 2026 has announced the postponement and rescheduling of the event, which will now take place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
The conference is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, with the venue remaining unchanged. The Award Dinner and Gala Night will also hold on the same day at 7:00 p.m., effectively making the conference and exhibition a one-day event.
Speaking at the NASTOCE 2026 Secretariat in Abuja, Convener and Chairman of the National Organising Committee, Malam Ahmed Mohammed Sule, explained that the decision followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders.
He noted that delays in responses from participating ministries and agencies made it difficult for many to complete necessary processes and submissions ahead of the earlier date. According to him, the new date is expected to provide sufficient time for all stakeholders to adequately prepare and participate.
Sule emphasised that all previously scheduled programmes will remain unchanged, including the theme, sub-themes, plenary sessions, and presentation timelines for agency heads, as well as keynote addresses by ministers.
He expressed regret over any inconvenience the postponement may cause to participants, guests, exhibitors, and visitors, assuring that the adjustment was made in the overall interest of a successful and inclusive event.
The conference, he added, aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in advancing sports tourism as a driver of socio-economic development.
With the theme, “Leveraging the Intersection of Multi-Sectoral MDAs to Promote Sports Tourism in Nigeria,” NASTOCE 2026 aims to explore the synergy between sports, tourism, and other government sectors. The event will highlight the economic opportunities within this intersection and promote collaboration among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
As a strategic dialogue platform, the conference will feature a range of sub-themes designed to foster partnerships and strengthen coordination among stakeholders. Experts, professional speakers, and chief executives of relevant MDAs are expected to deliver presentations on their roles in driving the growth of sports tourism in Nigeria.
Organisers remain optimistic that the rescheduled event will attract broader participation and deliver impactful outcomes for the development of the sector.
