Ado Salisu
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has marked one year of landmark achievements under the visionary leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold decision to reorganize the nation’s sports administration.
Exactly one year ago, the President dissolved the Federal Ministry of Sports and reinstated the NSC as Nigeria’s apex sports governing body—a move widely celebrated as a strategic step toward unlocking the country’s immense sporting potential.
Twelve months later, that decision has yielded remarkable results, reshaping Nigeria’s sports landscape and reigniting national pride.
A cornerstone of the NSC’s reform agenda is the “Athletes First” initiative, anchored by the reactivation of the Elite and Podium Performance Board.
The programme ensures that athletes receive training grants well ahead of international competitions—ending years of last-minute funding challenges that hindered performance.
Under this system, Nigerian athletes now enjoy world-class preparation and financial support similar to their global peers.
To nurture young talent, the NSC introduced the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) policy, officially recognized as the 38th “state” at the National Sports Festival. The IJA team debuted at the Gateway Games in Ogun State, winning multiple medals and gaining vital exposure—an achievement hailed as a major step in grassroots sports development.
In one year, the NSC’s public-private partnership model has attracted over ₦50 billion into Nigeria’s sports economy.
The Commission also introduced Chief Operating Officers (COOs) across sports federations to ensure professionalism, transparency, and corporate governance—already adopted by federations such as Rugby, Badminton, Athletics, and E-Sports.
Through a renewed partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education, the NSC has revitalized school sports at all levels, including the Primary/Secondary School Games, University Games, and Polytechnic Games.
Another milestone is the passage of the Anti-Doping Bill, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to clean, fair competition in global sports.
The NSC also launched the Renewed Hope for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE) Campaign, positioning the country as a preferred destination for major international tournaments.
Recent events hosted under this initiative include the Lagos International Badminton Tournament, African Taekwondo Championship, CAA Africa U18/U20 Championships (Abeokuta), and the E1 Boat Championship (Lagos), among others.
Once plagued by delays and disinterest, the National Sports Festival has been fully restructured and rebranded under the NSC’s leadership. States now eagerly bid to host the event, reflecting renewed confidence and enthusiasm in Nigeria’s sporting future.
For the first time, the NSC reserved slots on sports federation boards for members of the Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN), reinforcing gender inclusion and equality in sports governance.
Nigeria’s resurgence under the NSC has been evident across multiple disciplines:
U19 Cricket Team reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time.
Weightlifters and swimmers recorded global victories.
Super Falcons and D’Tigers reclaimed continental glory.
Para-athletes placed 2nd globally at the World Para Powerlifting Championships in Egypt.
The Super Eagles remain in strong contention for World Cup qualification, supported by the NSC-led Presidential Support Group.
Reflecting on the Commission’s progress, NSC Director of Press, Dr. (Mrs.) Kehinde Ajayi, described the past year as “a testament to President Tinubu’s vision and the transformative leadership of Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade.”
“In just one year, the NSC has restored integrity, innovation, and investor confidence in Nigerian sports. The journey has only begun—our goal is a sustainable sports economy where athletes, investors, and the nation all win,” she added.