Ado Salisu
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has pledged stronger collaboration with the Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation of Nigeria (ABBFN) to regulate gyms, enhance talent development, and position Nigeria as a hub for international fitness events.
NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, made this known in Abuja during a courtesy visit by an ABBFN delegation led by its President, Soye Elekima.
Dikko said the partnership would strengthen talent identification systems, improve training facilities, and raise competition standards across all levels of bodybuilding and fitness in the country.
“We are committed to building a structured pathway from grassroots to elite levels, ensuring Nigerian athletes compete favourably on the global stage,” he said.
A key component of the collaboration is the planned regulation of gyms nationwide. Dikko noted that standardising operations and certifying fitness instructors would help reduce incidents of sudden deaths and other health-related mishaps in fitness centres.
He added that the commission would support national teams, organise championship workshops, and promote fitness programmes at the school level to ensure sustainable athlete development.
The NSC also pledged to endorse and support initiatives such as the ShapeUp Nigeria 30×30 Fitness Challenge, aimed at tackling non-communicable diseases and promoting healthier lifestyles among Nigerians.
Other aspects of the partnership include logistical support and prize funding for competitions, as well as training programmes for athletes aged six to 21 and capacity-building initiatives for coaches nationwide.
The collaboration is also expected to boost Nigeria’s participation in regional and global fitness competitions by developing both male and female athletes for international exposure.
A major highlight of the meeting was the induction of Dikko into the World Fitness Sheriffs Department as a Grand Commander, in recognition of his contributions to sports development.
The organisation also announced a global “Keep Fit” initiative, encouraging fitness enthusiasts worldwide to dedicate the last Saturday of every month to physical activity and health awareness.
Earlier, ABBFN President Soye Elekima outlined plans to host events sanctioned by the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) in Nigeria, including regional competitions and university championships.
Elekima, who also serves as Vice President of the African Federation of Fitness and Bodybuilding (AFBB), said Nigeria has the capacity to successfully host international fitness events.
“We are seeking NSC’s collaboration to host IFBB competitions and showcase Nigeria’s immense talent and organisational strength,” he said.
He noted that partnerships with global sporting platforms would create more opportunities for Nigerian athletes while boosting the country’s visibility on the international stage.
Elekima added that hosting such events would stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and attract investment into Nigeria’s growing fitness industry.
He expressed confidence that with NSC’s support, Nigeria could emerge as a leading bodybuilding and fitness hub in Africa and beyond.