In a major milestone for African sports development, the National Sports Commission (NSC), in collaboration with World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has announced the maiden edition of the Africa Running Conference, set to hold in Lagos.
The groundbreaking event aims to promote health, fitness, and athletic excellence while driving participation, talent discovery, and private sector investment in Nigeria’s fast-growing sports economy. It also positions the country as a key player in the global athletics ecosystem.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, said the conference aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes sports as a catalyst for national development and economic growth.
He emphasized that road running presents a unique comparative advantage for Nigeria, with the potential to engage millions of citizens, boost health awareness, and create new business opportunities.
Also speaking, NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, expressed pride in welcoming the global sports community to Nigeria for what he described as a “transformative milestone” in the country’s sporting history.
“President Tinubu’s vision to turn sports into an economic growth tool is already in motion. Nigeria is shifting from being a consumption-driven sports nation to a production-driven one and events like this are proof of that.”
Olopade added that hosting the Africa Running Conference underscores growing international confidence in Nigeria’s sports reforms.
Alessio Punzi, Head of Running and Mass Participation at World Athletics, reaffirmed the organization’s support, describing the conference as “many years in the making.”
He recalled his early involvement with the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, which went on to earn a World Athletics Gold Label, marking Nigeria’s entry into the global elite of road races.
According to Punzi, the Africa Running Conference will feature two days of intensive technical workshops for national athletics federations across the continent, focusing on standardization, certification, officiating, and capacity building.
Beyond athletics, the conference represents a broader vision one that connects sports, health, education, and economic development as pillars of national progress.
The Africa Running Conference is more than a sporting event; it is a statement of intent to make Nigeria a continental leader in sports innovation, wellness, and economic transformation.
As preparations intensify, the NSC reaffirmed its commitment to fostering collaboration between government, development partners, and the private sector to ensure lasting impact beyond the track.